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The Original Heartbreakers #0.5
All For You: Halfway There / Buckhorn Ever After / The One You Want / One Perfect Night
Four unforgettable stories from the biggest names in romance...
Falling in love isn’t on Fayrene Hopkins’s schedule for at least four years, but from her very first kiss with charming Ryan Patterson, she’s already "Halfway There.” In Susan Mallery's Fool’s Gold, some plans are made to be broken...
In Lori Foster's “Buckhorn Ever After,” the last thing Nadine Moest wants is to be the latest notch on gorgeous ranger Shohn Hudson’s bedpost. But Shohn is determined to win her trust — and her heart.
Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome her bad-girl past in Gena Showalter’s “The One You Want.” Dane Michaelson is exactly the kind of guy she needs to avoid, but he’s used to getting what he wants, and he wants her.
Noah Bryant and Colbie Michaels are meant to be — at least, that’s what he thinks when they keep serendipitously meeting. Now he just has to convince her they’re destined for each other, in Bella Andre’s “One Perfect Night.”
Falling in love isn’t on Fayrene Hopkins’s schedule for at least four years, but from her very first kiss with charming Ryan Patterson, she’s already "Halfway There.” In Susan Mallery's Fool’s Gold, some plans are made to be broken...
In Lori Foster's “Buckhorn Ever After,” the last thing Nadine Moest wants is to be the latest notch on gorgeous ranger Shohn Hudson’s bedpost. But Shohn is determined to win her trust — and her heart.
Kenna Starr will do anything to overcome her bad-girl past in Gena Showalter’s “The One You Want.” Dane Michaelson is exactly the kind of guy she needs to avoid, but he’s used to getting what he wants, and he wants her.
Noah Bryant and Colbie Michaels are meant to be — at least, that’s what he thinks when they keep serendipitously meeting. Now he just has to convince her they’re destined for each other, in Bella Andre’s “One Perfect Night.”
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 30, 2014
124 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
865 books15.5k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 13, 2015
The One You Want is a prequel to Gena's new contemporary series, The Heartbreakers. I have to say that I'm more of a PNR girl but since it's a Gena Showalter story, I of course, HAD to read it! And I'm so glad that I did!
This was an amazing story! It's a story of love, hope and forgiveness. Kenna Starr has been paying for her mother's affair with a married man since she was a child. Between that and getting pregnant at a young age the townspeople were convinced that she would grow up to be just like her mother. And for most of her life, the people of Strawberry Valley have looked down their noses at her, thinking she is nothing but trash.
I love how much strength of character that Kenna has. She has been trying to walk the straight and narrow, always careful of her reputation, not wanting to give people more reason to gossip about her. And through all the snubs and sideways looks, she always keeps her chin up, never letting anyone see how much it hurts her. And despite the fact that she is treated like crap she still tries to see the best in everyone and make the best out of her situation.
Dane's family was broken up from his father's affair with Kenna's mom. He has never been able to forgive his father for it. He has commitment issues and has turned into a bit of player, never letting his revolving door of women get close to him. He reluctantly returns to Strawberry Valley for his father and Kenna's mother's engagement party and the sparks fly when he sees Kenna again. The chemistry between the two is intense and Dane is confused by his desperate need to be with Kenna. It scares him, but like a moth to a flame, he can't help but be drawn to her. I loved watching Dane grow emotionally in this story, he struggles with his feelings for Kenna and did and said stupid things to her at times. Dane was the one that got to me the most. Watching him come to terms with the past and realizing what he needed to do to get Kenna back...OMG, the ending... *sniffles* All I will say is have some tissues nearby.
I just love books that put you through the emotional wringer and Gena has never disappointed! With an entertaining storyline, amazing characters, and witty dialogue, The One You Want is a wonderful story that will tug on your heartstrings and has become one of my new favorites of hers. I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was an amazing story! It's a story of love, hope and forgiveness. Kenna Starr has been paying for her mother's affair with a married man since she was a child. Between that and getting pregnant at a young age the townspeople were convinced that she would grow up to be just like her mother. And for most of her life, the people of Strawberry Valley have looked down their noses at her, thinking she is nothing but trash.
I love how much strength of character that Kenna has. She has been trying to walk the straight and narrow, always careful of her reputation, not wanting to give people more reason to gossip about her. And through all the snubs and sideways looks, she always keeps her chin up, never letting anyone see how much it hurts her. And despite the fact that she is treated like crap she still tries to see the best in everyone and make the best out of her situation.
Dane's family was broken up from his father's affair with Kenna's mom. He has never been able to forgive his father for it. He has commitment issues and has turned into a bit of player, never letting his revolving door of women get close to him. He reluctantly returns to Strawberry Valley for his father and Kenna's mother's engagement party and the sparks fly when he sees Kenna again. The chemistry between the two is intense and Dane is confused by his desperate need to be with Kenna. It scares him, but like a moth to a flame, he can't help but be drawn to her. I loved watching Dane grow emotionally in this story, he struggles with his feelings for Kenna and did and said stupid things to her at times. Dane was the one that got to me the most. Watching him come to terms with the past and realizing what he needed to do to get Kenna back...OMG, the ending... *sniffles* All I will say is have some tissues nearby.
I just love books that put you through the emotional wringer and Gena has never disappointed! With an entertaining storyline, amazing characters, and witty dialogue, The One You Want is a wonderful story that will tug on your heartstrings and has become one of my new favorites of hers. I can't wait for the next book to come out in the series!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
only read lori Foster's books but I really enjoyed it. Shohn and Nadine are great together but it was seriously too short! I love the buckhorn family and am looking forward to when the story returns to coming in full length novels...more more more lori! PLEASE!!!
May 8, 2015
This was such a fantastic anthology! I loved all the stories in it, though The One You Want is my favourite! Can't wait for the rest of The Original Heartbreaks, once I read The Closer You Come!
July 15, 2017
Meh.
Halfway There was probably my favorite of the bunch because I wanted to know more about the town and Fayrene's (...seriously?) sisters.
Buckhorn Ever After was... eh. I think this is one that would've worked better a little longer OR if I was familiar with the stories that had come before since it felt like I was supposed to ooh and ahhh every time a new character appeared. I really liked the cat, though.
The One You Want is the longest of the bunch and after awhile I started to wonder why, oh why, it didn't just have its own book. It probably would've been better served that way, so you could flesh out Dane's tragic backstory and given me more reason to cheer (I guess?) when Kenna gets her total wish fulfillment ending.
Annnnnnnd One Perfect Night really needed the extra pages that obviously went to The One You Want because it's "boy meets girl on skip trip, gets first name and nothing more, and then must find her. Story has like 20 pages so luckily he and girl know the same PI, get fixed up, and it's instant love. Tada, jazz hands!" Noah and Colbie probably could've been interesting if we'd had more than three seconds to get to know them. I could've been on board for more of Colbie's friends. But as it was... eh.
Mostly I spent the book wondering whether the odd names were intentional or not. And if they were, why was Colbie the only one who had anyone call attention to it? And then I spun off on a weird mental tangent about what made a name weird and who gave me the authority to call a name unusual (even in my own head) and basically the stories weren't bad, but I'm probably not the audience they were going for.
Halfway There was probably my favorite of the bunch because I wanted to know more about the town and Fayrene's (...seriously?) sisters.
Buckhorn Ever After was... eh. I think this is one that would've worked better a little longer OR if I was familiar with the stories that had come before since it felt like I was supposed to ooh and ahhh every time a new character appeared. I really liked the cat, though.
The One You Want is the longest of the bunch and after awhile I started to wonder why, oh why, it didn't just have its own book. It probably would've been better served that way, so you could flesh out Dane's tragic backstory and given me more reason to cheer (I guess?) when Kenna gets her total wish fulfillment ending.
Annnnnnnd One Perfect Night really needed the extra pages that obviously went to The One You Want because it's "boy meets girl on skip trip, gets first name and nothing more, and then must find her. Story has like 20 pages so luckily he and girl know the same PI, get fixed up, and it's instant love. Tada, jazz hands!" Noah and Colbie probably could've been interesting if we'd had more than three seconds to get to know them. I could've been on board for more of Colbie's friends. But as it was... eh.
Mostly I spent the book wondering whether the odd names were intentional or not. And if they were, why was Colbie the only one who had anyone call attention to it? And then I spun off on a weird mental tangent about what made a name weird and who gave me the authority to call a name unusual (even in my own head) and basically the stories weren't bad, but I'm probably not the audience they were going for.
April 22, 2018
I liked the Susan Mallery story alright, although Fayrene seems a little exaggerated (albeit capable and endearing) at times. I enjoyed the setting and the other characters. It's clear why the Fool's Gold series is so popular.
Lori Foster's story was frustrating. The characters were likeable, but they needed more time than 100 pages allowed. The ending was very rushed and stretched belief.
I liked the two characters in Gena Showalter's story, but I didn't find the background stories quite convincing (then again, I've never lived in a small town). I admire Showalter's willingness to touch upon heavy topics in a novella though. The characterizations were great; I liked the touch of vulnerability in the heroine's mother.
Bella Andre's short story is delightfully fluffy.
Lori Foster's story was frustrating. The characters were likeable, but they needed more time than 100 pages allowed. The ending was very rushed and stretched belief.
I liked the two characters in Gena Showalter's story, but I didn't find the background stories quite convincing (then again, I've never lived in a small town). I admire Showalter's willingness to touch upon heavy topics in a novella though. The characterizations were great; I liked the touch of vulnerability in the heroine's mother.
Bella Andre's short story is delightfully fluffy.
July 13, 2025
Halfway There: Short story about a girl with a career plan who meets an engineer who sweeps her off her feet.
Buckhorn Ever After: Park ranger Shohn sets his sights on long-time friend Nadine, who runs an animal clinic. He even gets a dog to win her over.
The One You Want: Kenna and Dane knew each other when they were kids, and now their folks are getting married! She really doesn’t want anything to do with this guy who has lots of notches on his belt. But Dane’s making an effort to win over Kenna’s young daughter. Will he win Kenna over too?
One Perfect Night: Colbie meets Noah on the ski slopes after her bad breakup. She was at the resort for a girls’ weekend and said no getting involved with any guys. But this Noah, yeah, he’s special. How they find their way back to each other was cute.
All good stories.
Buckhorn Ever After: Park ranger Shohn sets his sights on long-time friend Nadine, who runs an animal clinic. He even gets a dog to win her over.
The One You Want: Kenna and Dane knew each other when they were kids, and now their folks are getting married! She really doesn’t want anything to do with this guy who has lots of notches on his belt. But Dane’s making an effort to win over Kenna’s young daughter. Will he win Kenna over too?
One Perfect Night: Colbie meets Noah on the ski slopes after her bad breakup. She was at the resort for a girls’ weekend and said no getting involved with any guys. But this Noah, yeah, he’s special. How they find their way back to each other was cute.
All good stories.
June 2, 2019
I picked up this book at a used bookstore -- I knew nothing about it or the authors. I liked The One You Want best (it had the most plot and character development). Buckhorn Ever After and Halfway There were cute. I'm all for the fantasy of romance novels (perfect men falling for imperfect women in unlikely circumstances), but One Perfect Night was a little too far out there for me.
Overall, however, the novellas were pretty typical novella -- they felt a little rushed, but still made me smile. There's a lot of sex in these stories (which I probably would have known if I'd done any research on the authors), so I skimmed a lot. Definitely not for everyone (and outside of my usual Christian/clean read section), but the middle two stories had some fun plot elements.
Overall, however, the novellas were pretty typical novella -- they felt a little rushed, but still made me smile. There's a lot of sex in these stories (which I probably would have known if I'd done any research on the authors), so I skimmed a lot. Definitely not for everyone (and outside of my usual Christian/clean read section), but the middle two stories had some fun plot elements.
January 21, 2020
Halfway There by Susan Mallery, really enjoyed this story as I love the fool's gold series and knew I would love this short story.
Buckhorn ever after by Lori Foster: never read anything by her before but I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading more of her books.
The one you want by Gena Showalter: I love Gena's PNR books and loved this short story as much. Her writing really draws me in so I don't think it matters the type of genre she does. Will definitely be reading more of these from her.
One Perfect Night by Bella Andre: first from this author. It was way shorter than all the others but it was good.
Buckhorn ever after by Lori Foster: never read anything by her before but I really enjoyed this story and looking forward to reading more of her books.
The one you want by Gena Showalter: I love Gena's PNR books and loved this short story as much. Her writing really draws me in so I don't think it matters the type of genre she does. Will definitely be reading more of these from her.
One Perfect Night by Bella Andre: first from this author. It was way shorter than all the others but it was good.
Read
March 25, 2020This anthology included a few authors I have enjoyed in the past - I think I mooched it because it included Susan Mallery, whose light romances are generally fun. The one here was a sort of Fools' Gold novella. My only issue is that I really prefer longer books - I feel by the time you get into it and start to appreciate the characters, these stories are done. There are exceptions, of course, but here I didn't really get into any of the stories. Light read for heavy days (Corona virus lock down).
The cover is not fully intact (corner off), but the actual book is fine.
The cover is not fully intact (corner off), but the actual book is fine.
November 6, 2015
ALL FOR YOU is the perfect read for all you sweet, small town loving, contemporary romance readers. Every story had just the right amount of sexy to keep you warm this winter. And I have to say that we couldn't get a better collaboration than these ladies. Every story is perfect sweet contemporary romance, with the type of characters you can't help but fall in love with right away. Not all too original at times, but very enjoyable nonetheless.
This story is part of the Fool's Gold series by Ms. Mallery. I can't say I follow the series, but I have read a few of the books in it. I always enjoy her stories and her small town feel, but I find that for me there's something missing to make them memorable. With this novella it was a little bit of the same. Fayrene is a bit of a workaholic and she has a plan for her life. In the time frame she's given herself to be successful with her business there is no time for love or dating. When she meets Ryan, who is just in town on a temporary job, he seems like the perfect candidate to have a fling with. Their story develops from friendship to a relationship pretty quickly. It's cute, I will give it that, but I always find those quick I love yous to be hard to believe. All in all though, it was very enjoyable and a great opener for this anthology.
BUCKHORN EVER AFTER by Lori Foster - 3.5 Stars
Yet another series that I've read some of but not the full series. I can't help but love a story about childhood friends where the heroine has always been in love with the hero but he had to sow his wild oats first, and now he realizes the woman he wants was there all along. The banter and the easy feeling in the interactions between Nadine and Shohn were the best part of the story. They are already friends so this was just taking that next step. And there's animals! Big sucker for those here! Nadine runs a veterinary clinic in town and Shohn is a park ranger. He even gets a dog so he can come around more often to see her. Loved this story.
THE ONE YOU WANT by Gena Showalter - 4.5 Stars
This was the main reason why I wanted to read this book. This is the prequel that kicks off Gena Showalter's new contemporary romance series. To say I was excited to see what she can do outside of paranormal romance is an understatement. And the verdict is.... I think this will be my favorite of Ms. Showalter's work in a while. THE ONE YOU WANT is fresh and fun. By far my favorite story in this anthology and the perfect opening to a series I'm dying to read more of. So we have Kenna Starr, the heroine. She's a single mother and the daughter of a home wrecker. And in a small town, the bad girl label is doing her no favors. She struggles to pay her bills and she devotes her life to her daughter. She's had very little room there for herself, her wants or a man. Now her mom is marrying the man whose marriage she wrecked and Kenna's future step-brother comes back to town for the wedding. Now very successful and extremely irresistible, Dane Michaelson has his sights set on Kenna.
I don't know why but the step-brother theme here worked really well for me. I mean they are adults so it's not like they have to live together, but it gives them an instant connection. Plus they have a past together from their childhood. Some good and some bad. Kenna is a strong heroine but she's also vulnerable. Dane thinks he's carefree but deep down he has his own wounds to heal. Their chemistry is off the charts. There's plenty of sexual tension from the very first time they see each other and throughout the story. And these two are so witty there won't be a dull moment while reading this.
I wish the story wouldn't have been wrapped up so quickly, and that is my only complaint, but I think this was a great novella and I can't wait to read more in this new series.
ONE PERFECT NIGHT by Bella Andre - 3 Stars
The Sullivans is the only series from this bunch I haven't read before. In fact, if memory serves me well, this might be my first Bella Andre story as well. And it's such a wintery story, what with the ski resort vacation and all, that it made me want to read more of these type of stories. That being said, this isn't directly a Sullivan story, but family friends Colbie Michaels and Noah Bryant. Colbie goes on a girls trip to a ski resort but she's not very good at skiing. She ends up running into Noah, a complete stranger and a hottie, who decides to teach her to ski. At the end of their wonderful day together they don't exchange numbers and weeks later they both enlist the help of Rafe Sullivan to find their mystery date. There is a bit of insta-love in this story, which might be the only reason I wasn't as into it as the rest of the stories in this anthology. But it ended this book in a very sweet note. Perfect read for a cold winter afternoon with some cocoa.
*ARC provided by author
Reviewed by Francesca
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June 18, 2018
This book was an excellent read by three good authors who wrote their stories for anyone who has been in love before or wanted someone they couldn't be without.
I wan't sure how each story would go. I was excited about how they would end if the store read as well as I thought.
I loved everything about the book
I wan't sure how each story would go. I was excited about how they would end if the store read as well as I thought.
I loved everything about the book
September 19, 2015
Overall: 3.5 stars
ALL FOR YOU is the perfect read for all you sweet, small town loving, contemporary romance readers. Every story had just the right amount of sexy to keep you warm this winter. And I have to say that we couldn’t get a better collaboration than these ladies. Every story is perfect sweet contemporary romance, with the type of characters you can’t help but fall in love with right away. Not all too original at times, but very enjoyable nonetheless.
HALFWAY THERE BY SUSAN MALLERY – 3 STARS
This story is part of the Fool’s Gold series by Ms. Mallery. I can’t say I follow the series, but I have read a few of the books in it. I always enjoy her stories and her small town feel, but I find that for me there’s something missing to make them memorable. With this novella it was a little bit of the same. Fayrene is a bit of a workaholic and she has a plan for her life. In the time frame she’s given herself to be successful with her business there is no time for love or dating. When she meets Ryan, who is just in town on a temporary job, he seems like the perfect candidate to have a fling with. Their story develops from friendship to a relationship pretty quickly. It’s cute, I will give it that, but I always find those quick I love yous to be hard to believe. All in all though, it was very enjoyable and a great opener for this anthology.
BUCKHORN EVER AFTER BY LORI FOSTER – 3.5 STARS
Yet another series that I’ve read some of but not the full series. I can’t help but love a story about childhood friends where the heroine has always been in love with the hero but he had to sow his wild oats first, and now he realizes the woman he wants was there all along. The banter and the easy feeling in the interactions between Nadine and Shohn were the best part of the story. They are already friends so this was just taking that next step. And there’s animals! Big sucker for those here! Nadine runs a veterinary clinic in town and Shohn is a park ranger. He even gets a dog so he can come around more often to see her. Loved this story.
THE ONE YOU WANT BY GENA SHOWALTER – 4.5 STARS
This was the main reason why I wanted to read this book. This is the prequel that kicks off Gena Showalter’s new contemporary romance series. To say I was excited to see what she can do outside of paranormal romance is an understatement. And the verdict is…. I think this will be my favorite of Ms. Showalter’s work in a while. THE ONE YOU WANT is fresh and fun. By far my favorite story in this anthology and the perfect opening to a series I’m dying to read more of. So we have Kenna Starr, the heroine. She’s a single mother and the daughter of a home wrecker. And in a small town, the bad girl label is doing her no favors. She struggles to pay her bills and she devotes her life to her daughter. She’s had very little room there for herself, her wants or a man. Now her mom is marrying the man whose marriage she wrecked and Kenna’s future step-brother comes back to town for the wedding. Now very successful and extremely irresistible, Dane Michaelson has his sights set on Kenna.
I don’t know why but the step-brother theme here worked really well for me. I mean they are adults so it’s not like they have to live together, but it gives them an instant connection. Plus they have a past together from their childhood. Some good and some bad. Kenna is a strong heroine but she’s also vulnerable. Dane thinks he’s carefree but deep down he has his own wounds to heal. Their chemistry is off the charts. There’s plenty of sexual tension from the very first time they see each other and throughout the story. And these two are so witty there won’t be a dull moment while reading this.
I wish the story wouldn’t have been wrapped up so quickly, and that is my only complaint, but I think this was a great novella and I can’t wait to read more in this new series.
ONE PERFECT NIGHT BY BELLA ANDRE – 3 STARS
The Sullivans is the only series from this bunch I haven’t read before. In fact, if memory serves me well, this might be my first Bella Andre story as well. And it’s such a wintery story, what with the ski resort vacation and all, that it made me want to read more of these type of stories. That being said, this isn’t directly a Sullivan story, but family friends Colbie Michaels and Noah Bryant. Colbie goes on a girls trip to a ski resort but she’s not very good at skiing. She ends up running into Noah, a complete stranger and a hottie, who decides to teach her to ski. At the end of their wonderful day together they don’t exchange numbers and weeks later they both enlist the help of Rafe Sullivan to find their mystery date. There is a bit of insta-love in this story, which might be the only reason I wasn’t as into it as the rest of the stories in this anthology. But it ended this book in a very sweet note. Perfect read for a cold winter afternoon with some cocoa.
*ARC provided by author
ALL FOR YOU is the perfect read for all you sweet, small town loving, contemporary romance readers. Every story had just the right amount of sexy to keep you warm this winter. And I have to say that we couldn’t get a better collaboration than these ladies. Every story is perfect sweet contemporary romance, with the type of characters you can’t help but fall in love with right away. Not all too original at times, but very enjoyable nonetheless.
HALFWAY THERE BY SUSAN MALLERY – 3 STARS
This story is part of the Fool’s Gold series by Ms. Mallery. I can’t say I follow the series, but I have read a few of the books in it. I always enjoy her stories and her small town feel, but I find that for me there’s something missing to make them memorable. With this novella it was a little bit of the same. Fayrene is a bit of a workaholic and she has a plan for her life. In the time frame she’s given herself to be successful with her business there is no time for love or dating. When she meets Ryan, who is just in town on a temporary job, he seems like the perfect candidate to have a fling with. Their story develops from friendship to a relationship pretty quickly. It’s cute, I will give it that, but I always find those quick I love yous to be hard to believe. All in all though, it was very enjoyable and a great opener for this anthology.
BUCKHORN EVER AFTER BY LORI FOSTER – 3.5 STARS
Yet another series that I’ve read some of but not the full series. I can’t help but love a story about childhood friends where the heroine has always been in love with the hero but he had to sow his wild oats first, and now he realizes the woman he wants was there all along. The banter and the easy feeling in the interactions between Nadine and Shohn were the best part of the story. They are already friends so this was just taking that next step. And there’s animals! Big sucker for those here! Nadine runs a veterinary clinic in town and Shohn is a park ranger. He even gets a dog so he can come around more often to see her. Loved this story.
THE ONE YOU WANT BY GENA SHOWALTER – 4.5 STARS
This was the main reason why I wanted to read this book. This is the prequel that kicks off Gena Showalter’s new contemporary romance series. To say I was excited to see what she can do outside of paranormal romance is an understatement. And the verdict is…. I think this will be my favorite of Ms. Showalter’s work in a while. THE ONE YOU WANT is fresh and fun. By far my favorite story in this anthology and the perfect opening to a series I’m dying to read more of. So we have Kenna Starr, the heroine. She’s a single mother and the daughter of a home wrecker. And in a small town, the bad girl label is doing her no favors. She struggles to pay her bills and she devotes her life to her daughter. She’s had very little room there for herself, her wants or a man. Now her mom is marrying the man whose marriage she wrecked and Kenna’s future step-brother comes back to town for the wedding. Now very successful and extremely irresistible, Dane Michaelson has his sights set on Kenna.
I don’t know why but the step-brother theme here worked really well for me. I mean they are adults so it’s not like they have to live together, but it gives them an instant connection. Plus they have a past together from their childhood. Some good and some bad. Kenna is a strong heroine but she’s also vulnerable. Dane thinks he’s carefree but deep down he has his own wounds to heal. Their chemistry is off the charts. There’s plenty of sexual tension from the very first time they see each other and throughout the story. And these two are so witty there won’t be a dull moment while reading this.
I wish the story wouldn’t have been wrapped up so quickly, and that is my only complaint, but I think this was a great novella and I can’t wait to read more in this new series.
ONE PERFECT NIGHT BY BELLA ANDRE – 3 STARS
The Sullivans is the only series from this bunch I haven’t read before. In fact, if memory serves me well, this might be my first Bella Andre story as well. And it’s such a wintery story, what with the ski resort vacation and all, that it made me want to read more of these type of stories. That being said, this isn’t directly a Sullivan story, but family friends Colbie Michaels and Noah Bryant. Colbie goes on a girls trip to a ski resort but she’s not very good at skiing. She ends up running into Noah, a complete stranger and a hottie, who decides to teach her to ski. At the end of their wonderful day together they don’t exchange numbers and weeks later they both enlist the help of Rafe Sullivan to find their mystery date. There is a bit of insta-love in this story, which might be the only reason I wasn’t as into it as the rest of the stories in this anthology. But it ended this book in a very sweet note. Perfect read for a cold winter afternoon with some cocoa.
*ARC provided by author
August 1, 2024
Loved it.
I really enjoyed this book. I got it for the Lori Foster and Bella Andre stories and ending up liking all the stories. They are are all stories, told in his and her points of view and all with happy ever after a. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I got it for the Lori Foster and Bella Andre stories and ending up liking all the stories. They are are all stories, told in his and her points of view and all with happy ever after a. I recommend this book.
May 14, 2017
Delightful short romances.
May 24, 2017
Loved it!!
July 17, 2017
Loved every story in this book. The authors are phenomenal !!!!
July 28, 2017
While I got this for Mrs. Showater's story, I enjoyed each story. I would like to read more of Bella Andre's Seattle Sullivan's but my library does bot have them and they are to high on Amazon.
May 24, 2018
Easy novellas, just ok, wanted more from Mallery’s, a full length novel would have been better. The others were so/so. Quick and simple reads.
April 29, 2020
four cute stories
June 9, 2021
I got this collection of stories mainly for the Bella Andre story. The first two were just OK, but the one I enjoyed the most was the Gena Showalter one.
June 26, 2021
I expected more…but it turns out that I had already read the story by Susan Mallory and it wasn’t one of my favorites. And the other three stories didn’t do much for me.
March 27, 2022
Some stories were better then others. Most stories were republished
June 13, 2017
All For you is a great book. It has Bella Andre's Sullivan's 9.5 in it. Also had 3 other stories from other authors that was good.
series-next-up
January 11, 20213rd September 2013 - Bella Andre: One Perfect Night - 4 stars
March 4, 2017
Halfway There – Susan Mallery – 2/5 – Fayrene is a bit eccentric, but she has a plan. In 4 years, she’ll have a business with employees and nothing is getting in the way of this plan. Not even the new guy in town, Ryan. Good thing he’s there temporarily – he can be just a fling. Boyfriends and such get in the way of such plans, right? Only these guys spend the entire story giving chaste kisses and pretty much acting like brother and sister. And we spend more time being introduced to the characters of a series than we do seeing the couple together. And there big romantic moment at the end is really kind of not romantic. I think I would have preferred a situation in which the heroine has to learn that plans are fallible and that giving up a chance at love for a 4-year-plan and business ambition leaves on with an empty life. This was just not an interesting story (and it’s followed by an excerpt from the next book in the series of course).
Buckhorn Ever After – Lori Foster – 3/5 – So sometimes I like this kind of story, where the H/h start out as acquaintances, where one has been pining after the other and the other has been seducing the entire female population of the town. Then, the H has a sudden realization that this girl is hot and he wants to have sex with her, but she’s not so ready to be a conquest. In stories like that, I respect a heroine who refuses to be a conquest – this heroine, Nadine, is reluctant, but goes ahead into a relationship anyway. Her caveat, that no one know about it so that she doesn’t become a conquest in the eyes of everyone else. I also like it when the guy has some sort of realization of how his Casanova lifestyle has affected the likelihood of future relationships – we don’t really get that here. And it’s a pretty hot story (except for the annoying cat). I enjoyed it on the whole.
The One You Want – Gena Showalter – 4/5 – Kenna is a single mom with an undeserved reputation. Dane is a wealthy man-whore. She and Dane knew each other as kids before it was discovered that her mom and his dad were having an affair. He sees her at a party (mom and dad’s engagement party) and is determined to make amends for some things he said but finds himself very attracted to her. But he’s terrified of commitment, and she’s a mother. I liked the characters very much. Kenna is quirky and stands her ground while Dane actually grows as a character. He makes plenty of mistakes, some of which would make him a bit of an asshat, as his friend would say, but he feels genuine regret (and what’s more we get to experience it with him!) and there is plenty of grovel. That’s romance angst done right! This is the longest story in the anthology and thank goodness for it! It was so good!
One Perfect Night – Bella Andre – 2/5 – A bit too syrupy sweet for my tastes. Colbie is on a ski vacation with her friends when she meets Noah, the guy of her dreams. Having been burned once already by love, she doesn’t trust their “spark” and takes off after a perfect day with him and never gets his info. A week later, in Seattle, they manage to find each other again, but Noah has to convince Colbie to trust him. This wasn’t bad by any means, but was kind of boring for me. Especially on the tail of Gena Showalter’s story, which is very steamy and exciting. The insta-love borders on creepy and stalkerish, with Noah whispering they were meant to be together after less than 12 hours spent together. And the fact that they spill their life secrets after barely knowing each other. Of course that same night, they know they love each other (despite her mistrust of men). This just wasn’t my kind of romance.
Buckhorn Ever After – Lori Foster – 3/5 – So sometimes I like this kind of story, where the H/h start out as acquaintances, where one has been pining after the other and the other has been seducing the entire female population of the town. Then, the H has a sudden realization that this girl is hot and he wants to have sex with her, but she’s not so ready to be a conquest. In stories like that, I respect a heroine who refuses to be a conquest – this heroine, Nadine, is reluctant, but goes ahead into a relationship anyway. Her caveat, that no one know about it so that she doesn’t become a conquest in the eyes of everyone else. I also like it when the guy has some sort of realization of how his Casanova lifestyle has affected the likelihood of future relationships – we don’t really get that here. And it’s a pretty hot story (except for the annoying cat). I enjoyed it on the whole.
The One You Want – Gena Showalter – 4/5 – Kenna is a single mom with an undeserved reputation. Dane is a wealthy man-whore. She and Dane knew each other as kids before it was discovered that her mom and his dad were having an affair. He sees her at a party (mom and dad’s engagement party) and is determined to make amends for some things he said but finds himself very attracted to her. But he’s terrified of commitment, and she’s a mother. I liked the characters very much. Kenna is quirky and stands her ground while Dane actually grows as a character. He makes plenty of mistakes, some of which would make him a bit of an asshat, as his friend would say, but he feels genuine regret (and what’s more we get to experience it with him!) and there is plenty of grovel. That’s romance angst done right! This is the longest story in the anthology and thank goodness for it! It was so good!
One Perfect Night – Bella Andre – 2/5 – A bit too syrupy sweet for my tastes. Colbie is on a ski vacation with her friends when she meets Noah, the guy of her dreams. Having been burned once already by love, she doesn’t trust their “spark” and takes off after a perfect day with him and never gets his info. A week later, in Seattle, they manage to find each other again, but Noah has to convince Colbie to trust him. This wasn’t bad by any means, but was kind of boring for me. Especially on the tail of Gena Showalter’s story, which is very steamy and exciting. The insta-love borders on creepy and stalkerish, with Noah whispering they were meant to be together after less than 12 hours spent together. And the fact that they spill their life secrets after barely knowing each other. Of course that same night, they know they love each other (despite her mistrust of men). This just wasn’t my kind of romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2015
look for next buckhorn story
Halfway There – Susan Mallery…
Ryan Patterson… solar engineer… temporary job with a company, and he’s working hard to prove his energy saving plans also save the customer substantial money… Fayrene Hopkins – receptionist… with a 5 year plan to have a temp / pet care business with 4 employees… and she’s cat sitting a pregnant cat who goes into labor a week early… she panics, Ryan walks her through it (mostly saying the cat will take care of it) and spends most of the evening with her to make sure cat is fine… he doesn’t fit into her 5 year plan, but given he’s temporary, she decides he’s safe… but, they find their feelings deepening… and when he is offered regular/full time – they are both happy.
Buckhorn Ever After – Lori Foster
Shohn Hudson… Nadine Moest… park ranger… animal kennel owner… grew up together, she’s had a crush on him… he had wild oats to sow… but when connected over a dog, then a cat he adopts… their attraction runs wild… his oats are sowed, and he can’t get her out of his mind… just like his uncle Buckhorns and their longtime spouses…
The One You Want – Gena Showalter…
Kenna Starr… Tiimothy Calbert Jr… though he is 6 years older than her, they’d been friends…
Until his mother caught her mother in bed with his father… she tried to comfort him – but then his family left town, never to return (though there were weekends when both got away from the family obligations)… and Kenna grew up known as the daughter of the town whore… and she’s gorgeous, and when men act wonky around her, she is blamed… she had one night at age of 16 where she drunk way too much, and woke up in a bed with 3 guys… and a month later she finds she’s pregnant… her daughter Narria is her joy… she has 2 roommates, and the three are raising her… she’s going to school one class at a time (teaching credential is her goal) and working 2 jobs… mother doesn’t understand her…
His parents are finally divorced, and his dad is back in town to marry her mom… they run into each other… and ultimately he sees the true her, and cannot do without her… he has a bit of adjustment with her daughter, as he swore never to have children, to save them the pains of childhood… but Nonna overcomes…
One Perfect Night – Bella Andre
Colbie Michales… Noah Bryant… she’s getting over a bad relationship, ready to open her store Indulgence – where one can be pampered; he’s out skiing… they meet on the slopes, where she is determined to overcome her fear of heights, and to master those skiis… he, an ex-instructor with a lot of patience and a touch of humor, spends the day teaching her… a tumble in the snow, a kiss…and she runs (no rebound for her)…
And a week later both are still thinking about the other… and he asks his friend Rafe, a PI, to find her… and Rafe’s sister, Colbie’s friend, asks Rafe to find him… and he brings them together… ahhhh
Halfway There – Susan Mallery…
Ryan Patterson… solar engineer… temporary job with a company, and he’s working hard to prove his energy saving plans also save the customer substantial money… Fayrene Hopkins – receptionist… with a 5 year plan to have a temp / pet care business with 4 employees… and she’s cat sitting a pregnant cat who goes into labor a week early… she panics, Ryan walks her through it (mostly saying the cat will take care of it) and spends most of the evening with her to make sure cat is fine… he doesn’t fit into her 5 year plan, but given he’s temporary, she decides he’s safe… but, they find their feelings deepening… and when he is offered regular/full time – they are both happy.
Buckhorn Ever After – Lori Foster
Shohn Hudson… Nadine Moest… park ranger… animal kennel owner… grew up together, she’s had a crush on him… he had wild oats to sow… but when connected over a dog, then a cat he adopts… their attraction runs wild… his oats are sowed, and he can’t get her out of his mind… just like his uncle Buckhorns and their longtime spouses…
The One You Want – Gena Showalter…
Kenna Starr… Tiimothy Calbert Jr… though he is 6 years older than her, they’d been friends…
Until his mother caught her mother in bed with his father… she tried to comfort him – but then his family left town, never to return (though there were weekends when both got away from the family obligations)… and Kenna grew up known as the daughter of the town whore… and she’s gorgeous, and when men act wonky around her, she is blamed… she had one night at age of 16 where she drunk way too much, and woke up in a bed with 3 guys… and a month later she finds she’s pregnant… her daughter Narria is her joy… she has 2 roommates, and the three are raising her… she’s going to school one class at a time (teaching credential is her goal) and working 2 jobs… mother doesn’t understand her…
His parents are finally divorced, and his dad is back in town to marry her mom… they run into each other… and ultimately he sees the true her, and cannot do without her… he has a bit of adjustment with her daughter, as he swore never to have children, to save them the pains of childhood… but Nonna overcomes…
One Perfect Night – Bella Andre
Colbie Michales… Noah Bryant… she’s getting over a bad relationship, ready to open her store Indulgence – where one can be pampered; he’s out skiing… they meet on the slopes, where she is determined to overcome her fear of heights, and to master those skiis… he, an ex-instructor with a lot of patience and a touch of humor, spends the day teaching her… a tumble in the snow, a kiss…and she runs (no rebound for her)…
And a week later both are still thinking about the other… and he asks his friend Rafe, a PI, to find her… and Rafe’s sister, Colbie’s friend, asks Rafe to find him… and he brings them together… ahhhh
August 21, 2015
All For You
= 2.75 (averaging all the individual book scores)
The One You Want by Gena Showalter= 4.5 Stars!!
THIS novella was the ONLY reason that I bought this book, and the anthology's only true redeeming factor- I love me a Showalter story!! The One You Want serves as an intro, of sorts, to Showalter's new series Original Heartbreaker series- which, even though it has taken her away from my some of my favorite of her series (Lords of the Underworld, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins), I am still looking forward to reading... West's book, especially! But I digress... Dane kinda pissed me off for a while in the middle there, when he refused to have anything to do with Norrie, but he redeemed himself in the end when he appologized directly to her and explained the reasons for his asshole-ishness. Overall, a very lovely story with some serious chemistry between Kenna and Dane!
Halfway There by Susan Mallery= 1 Star
Didn't care for this one at all... everything about the romance was unvelievable, abrupt and just plain blah. Zero chemistry between the characters, poor story line and it didn't flow very well. The only interesting points were the potential Ana Raquel/Greg Clary pairing for a future book (I am a sucker for bickering-turns-to-love stories!) and the preview for her next novel, Hold Me.
Buckhorn Ever After by Lori Foster= 3 Stars
I do love me a Forest Ranger!! Although it kind of annoyed me how Shohn (seriously, how DO you pronounce his name?!) had his eyes opened and just all of a sudden saw Nadine as a potential lover... his "maybe someday" list pissed me off, how he sees women as merely/maybe conquests. Louie cracked me up and I loved Nadine's graphic Tees with the cute sayings; they made for a good for a laugh. Meddlesome cousin Amber intrigued me the most and she was a background character, at best!! I would keep reading the series just to get to her book... but it doesn't look like she has one (yet?)! :(
One Perfect Night by Bella Andre= 2.5 Stars
Noah and Colbie have a chance meeting on the ski slopes, where he teaches her the finer points of skiing and they fall in love at first sight... BLECH!!!! Please, even if I am a hopeless romantic, there is no way that love happenes just like that- like, sure; lust, definitely; intrigue, absolutely... but not love. So it's hard for me to buy a story where the main characters have a chance meeting and however long later, they just can't stop thinking about each other! But, wait- there's more... they're even connected by having the same friends/acquaintances!! Nope... it was an alright and cute story, but utterly unbelievable.
The One You Want by Gena Showalter= 4.5 Stars!!
THIS novella was the ONLY reason that I bought this book, and the anthology's only true redeeming factor- I love me a Showalter story!! The One You Want serves as an intro, of sorts, to Showalter's new series Original Heartbreaker series- which, even though it has taken her away from my some of my favorite of her series (Lords of the Underworld, Angels of the Dark, Otherworld Assassins), I am still looking forward to reading... West's book, especially! But I digress... Dane kinda pissed me off for a while in the middle there, when he refused to have anything to do with Norrie, but he redeemed himself in the end when he appologized directly to her and explained the reasons for his asshole-ishness. Overall, a very lovely story with some serious chemistry between Kenna and Dane!
Halfway There by Susan Mallery= 1 Star
Didn't care for this one at all... everything about the romance was unvelievable, abrupt and just plain blah. Zero chemistry between the characters, poor story line and it didn't flow very well. The only interesting points were the potential Ana Raquel/Greg Clary pairing for a future book (I am a sucker for bickering-turns-to-love stories!) and the preview for her next novel, Hold Me.
Buckhorn Ever After by Lori Foster= 3 Stars
I do love me a Forest Ranger!! Although it kind of annoyed me how Shohn (seriously, how DO you pronounce his name?!) had his eyes opened and just all of a sudden saw Nadine as a potential lover... his "maybe someday" list pissed me off, how he sees women as merely/maybe conquests. Louie cracked me up and I loved Nadine's graphic Tees with the cute sayings; they made for a good for a laugh. Meddlesome cousin Amber intrigued me the most and she was a background character, at best!! I would keep reading the series just to get to her book... but it doesn't look like she has one (yet?)! :(
One Perfect Night by Bella Andre= 2.5 Stars
Noah and Colbie have a chance meeting on the ski slopes, where he teaches her the finer points of skiing and they fall in love at first sight... BLECH!!!! Please, even if I am a hopeless romantic, there is no way that love happenes just like that- like, sure; lust, definitely; intrigue, absolutely... but not love. So it's hard for me to buy a story where the main characters have a chance meeting and however long later, they just can't stop thinking about each other! But, wait- there's more... they're even connected by having the same friends/acquaintances!! Nope... it was an alright and cute story, but utterly unbelievable.
January 19, 2015
It's not very often that I find an anthology entirely written by authors I enjoy so when I saw this one I had to grab it!
HALFWAY THERE (Fool's Gold 9.75) I had never read this novella set in Fool's Gold so I was happy to read it. Fayrene Hopkins has one year of her five-year plan under her belt. When she meets sexy Ryan Patterson her plans might come crashing down around her. I felt the story was well developed despite being a novella.
BUCKHORN EVER AFTER (Buckhorn Brothers #6) I have always enjoyed the Hudsons from Buckhorn. Lori Foster is now writing for the second generation and though I sometimes think I would benefit from a family tree, the writing is fun and engaging. This was another well developed novella that leaves you wishing it had been longer but satisfied by the story overall.
THE ONE YOU WANT (The Original Heartbreakers #.5) I have mostly read and enjoyed Gena Showalter's paranormal writings so I was excited to see a contemporary. Overall I enjoyed the story, but felt that the relationship was forced. I understand the lust, but never felt the characters quite reached true love.
ONE PERFECT NIGHT (Sullivans #8.5) I have read this story before which was disappointing to me. This story is about Colbie and Noah who fall in love at first sight on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe. Colbie got scared and skied away so Noah asks his friend, PI Rafe Sullivan to find this woman whose last name he didn't even catch. Colbie asks her friend Mia's brother PI Rafe Sullivan to help her find her cute ski instructor Noah. You can see where this is going.
HALFWAY THERE (Fool's Gold 9.75) I had never read this novella set in Fool's Gold so I was happy to read it. Fayrene Hopkins has one year of her five-year plan under her belt. When she meets sexy Ryan Patterson her plans might come crashing down around her. I felt the story was well developed despite being a novella.
BUCKHORN EVER AFTER (Buckhorn Brothers #6) I have always enjoyed the Hudsons from Buckhorn. Lori Foster is now writing for the second generation and though I sometimes think I would benefit from a family tree, the writing is fun and engaging. This was another well developed novella that leaves you wishing it had been longer but satisfied by the story overall.
THE ONE YOU WANT (The Original Heartbreakers #.5) I have mostly read and enjoyed Gena Showalter's paranormal writings so I was excited to see a contemporary. Overall I enjoyed the story, but felt that the relationship was forced. I understand the lust, but never felt the characters quite reached true love.
ONE PERFECT NIGHT (Sullivans #8.5) I have read this story before which was disappointing to me. This story is about Colbie and Noah who fall in love at first sight on the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe. Colbie got scared and skied away so Noah asks his friend, PI Rafe Sullivan to find this woman whose last name he didn't even catch. Colbie asks her friend Mia's brother PI Rafe Sullivan to help her find her cute ski instructor Noah. You can see where this is going.
October 1, 2015
3.5 stars
I'm a little bit torn about this book because two of the stories I loved but the other two were very lackluster. The stories I really liked were the ones by Lori Foster and Gena Showalter. I've always loved Lori Foster and her Buckhorn series has been one of my favorites but Gena Showalter was totally new to me and I'm a definite convert. These authors took time to develop the romance between the two main characters rather than just writing a few sentences and calling it good. I'm very much looking forward to reading more from these two authors. The other two stories (by Susan Mallery and Bella Andre) were so unbelievable in their plots and had very little character development so you didn't even understand who the characters are at all before the story is over. Also, in the Susan Mallery story the two main characters weren't intimate at all. They had barely kissed before being completely in love. Don't get me wrong I can be a huge sucker for insta-love but these stories were just ridiculous! Based on these two stories I probably wouldn't give these two authors a second chance. Bottom line is that I get a little bit upset when anthologies are released with a couple good stories and then just as many (or more sometimes) bad stories that are a complete waste of time.
I'm a little bit torn about this book because two of the stories I loved but the other two were very lackluster. The stories I really liked were the ones by Lori Foster and Gena Showalter. I've always loved Lori Foster and her Buckhorn series has been one of my favorites but Gena Showalter was totally new to me and I'm a definite convert. These authors took time to develop the romance between the two main characters rather than just writing a few sentences and calling it good. I'm very much looking forward to reading more from these two authors. The other two stories (by Susan Mallery and Bella Andre) were so unbelievable in their plots and had very little character development so you didn't even understand who the characters are at all before the story is over. Also, in the Susan Mallery story the two main characters weren't intimate at all. They had barely kissed before being completely in love. Don't get me wrong I can be a huge sucker for insta-love but these stories were just ridiculous! Based on these two stories I probably wouldn't give these two authors a second chance. Bottom line is that I get a little bit upset when anthologies are released with a couple good stories and then just as many (or more sometimes) bad stories that are a complete waste of time.
May 21, 2015
Four short romantic stories. In Susan Mallery's Halfway There, engineer Ryan Patterson falls for Fayrene Hopkins. But Fayrene has a plan and she doesn't want it to get derailed by falling in love. That is not on the agenda. In Lori Foster's Buckhorn Ever After, ranger Shohn Hudson is about to end his womanizing ways. He has noticed kennel owner Nadine Moest but he can't get her to pay attention to him. She doesn't want to be another notch on his bedpost. In Gena Showalter's The One You Want, Kenna Starr is highly attracted to Dane Michaelson but he is about to be her stepbrother once her mother marries his father and feels they should not get involved. But Dane is a successful businessman and usually gets what he wants and he wants Kenna. In Bella Andre's One Perfect Night, Colbie Michaels is saved by Noah Bryant when she falls down in the snow while skiing. Having recently caught her boyfriend having sex with another woman, Colbie does not trust men right now and refuses to join Noah for hot chocolate. A week later, both are remembering the other and contact Rafe Sullivan for help in locating the other. Since Rafe and his sister Mia know both parties, they agree to help.
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