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Love Sick #2

Side Effects

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She has been hurt. She has a past of lies, cheating, and pain. She has severe panic attacks when she’s in enclosed spaces, a side effect of a horrible accident caused by a man she thought she loved. Quinn Carpenter has a distinct type: bad boys with dark hair, dark eyes, and tattoos. Tyler, her friend with benefits, fits the bill perfectly. They have fun together and they both know that fun is where their relationship begins and ends.

Quinn’s life is exactly how she wants it until she meets Reed Porter, the typical pretty boy with blue eyes, blonde hair, and zero tattoos. He is the exact opposite of everything Quinn likes.

So why can’t she get the frustrating, preppy, blue-eyed Reed out of her head?

She isn’t interested in commitment. She doesn’t want a relationship. But Reed challenges her, he puts her in her place, and he makes her nervous. The confident Quinn is never nervous around men, so what is it about Reed that has her questioning everything? And what will be the side effects of attempting to juggle two men at the same time?

Side Effects contains adult situations and is intended for mature readers.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2014

15 people are currently reading
696 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Suzanne

111 books3,220 followers
Lisa Suzanne is an Amazon Top Ten Bestselling author of swoon-worthy superstar heroes, emotional roller coasters, and all the angst. She resides in Arizona with her husband and two kids. When she's not chasing her kids, she can be found working on her latest romance book or watching reruns of Friends.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Mo.
1,404 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2014
3.75 stars


This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author.
This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.



Jesus. A fucking Midwestern farm boy.
This got better and better

LOL, no offence to my Midwestern friends. I am sure it is very civilized there. Actually I know it is – visited there once.


Quinn likes her men, Tempting and Tatted. She does not like them Reliable and Respectable.

”I hardly know you and
you’ve already managed to break me.”


So what’s a girl to do when she finds herself falling for the polar opposite of what she usually finds attractive? Fight it all the way, that’s what.


This was a fun read. I liked Quinn, she was strong, stubborn, thought she knew what she wanted in life.

I am usually a fan of the alpha asshole but Tyler was a bit too much of a douchebag for me to like him.

On the other hand, Reed is the Preppy Boy with the steady job and the nice personality. Not a tattoo in sight.



I know there's something in the wake of your smile.
I get a notion from the look in your eyes, yea.
You've built a love but that love falls apart.
Your little piece of heaven turns too dark.

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.
I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile.
The precious moments are all lost in the tide, yea.
They're swept away and nothing is what is seems,
the feeling of belonging to your dreams.

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.
I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

And there are voices
that want to be heard.
So much to mention
but you can't find the words.
The scent of magic,
the beauty that's been
when love was wilder than the wind.

Listen to your heart
when he's calling for you.
Listen to your heart
there's nothing else you can do.
I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye.

Listen to your heart, mm-mmmmmm

I don't know where you're going
and I don't know why,
but listen to your heart
before you tell him goodbye

(DHT - Listen to your heart)


I liked her interaction with her brother and parents. Normal, everyday family. I wonder will her brother get his own story.





Profile Image for Jx PinkLady Reviews ♡.
737 reviews1,073 followers
June 20, 2014
3.8 STARS



Side Effects is a story about Quinn, a woman living in the moment, taking what she wants from life. She has a no brain-to-mouth-filter quality which made her dialogue and inner thoughts highly amusing to me. She sometimes seemed like a bitch, as a result, but that's Quinn, a straight talking, say-it-how-it-is kind of girl, and I really like that about her. Deep down she's struggling with the demons of her past pain. She's loved before, had relationships but they didn't end well for her so now, instead of looking for that special person to share her life with, she has a 'friend' with benefits. A friend who fits, what she considers to be, her perfect type-a bad boy with tattoos and a wannabe rock star who's great in bed. He sounds perfect, right?

“Ty was ty, I knew what to expect from him: Good sex and nothing more.”

Sometimes life throws the unexpected at us and life threw Reed at Quinn.

Lovely, luscious, sexy and sweet, blue eyed Reed.... *swoon*
Who can resist a nerd with a heart of gold who can also turn alpha and dominant. “Something about his take charge attitude was insanely hot.” He. Is. Yummy! A genuinely nice guy with ambition, morals and integrity. Reed made me catch my breath many times. We see an attraction build and grow. Lovely! But will anything come of it?



Quinn's looking for something but scared to let go.
She's in self destruct mode and then moves on to self sabotage. A sad existence in many ways. I was longing for her to reach self discovery about her situation and what she could have, her desires and needs. The angst levels worked perfectly for me and the drama made for addictive reading.



The author cleverly made me feel a little something for each character, I lusted after one more than others, obviously, it's the way it works in our book world. All the characters have a history, it’s only slightly touched on with some, so there’s so much scope for books about other characters.

My one small wish is that….. It seemed slightly overly dramatic and I didn't 100% believe her motivation.... This was a beta read so maybe the issue will be resolved in the final edit and I have to add that this did not change my love for the characters.

Which road will she decide to take?



And what will be the side effects of attempting to juggle two men at the same time? You'll have to read this book and discover for yourself.

Release date: 24th June 2014
Note: Side Effects is a standalone but potential more stories will follow about various other characters.

This review is be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.

Profile Image for Jo ★The Book Sloth★.
486 reviews443 followers
August 8, 2014
4 Preppy Porter stars

This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.



Quinn has a certain type in men, she likes them dark, tattooed and bad, the last being nonnegotiable. So you can understand her surprise when she meets Preppy Porter, who isn't bad, isn't tattooed, isn't even dark haired, and she can't get him out of her mind or her life...



Reed Porter is a genuinely nice guy with a decent job and good manners. This is not a positive thing for Quinn. Reed had permanent written all over him and Quinn doesn't do permanent. She likes sleeping around, she likes her uncomplicated life, she likes her evenings' drunken sex bouts and going home to sleep alone after. Or does she? Or is her fear of getting hurt that decides for her?



Quinn easily decides that remaining in her toxic friend-with-benefits relationship with bad boy Tyler is the best choice but Reed isn't about to give up without a fight. Soon Quinn learns that the good guy has moves that can rock any bad-girls world.



But Quinn isn't ready to risk her heart again, she isn't ready to give up her old life and take a leap into the unknown. She will make all the wrong choices, she will hurt herself and Reed, she will almost cost herself the best think that's ever happened to her.



I wasn't much of a Quinn fan. The girl is set on her self-destructive path and she almost takes Reed with her. In the beginning of the book she is slutty, judgemental, obnoxious and drunk every other night. She makes all the wrong decisions. She has many ups and downσ during the book and although I do get her drive to destroy her life, I just couldn't relate to her.

Reed on the other hand was my kind of hero. He was sweet and charming and he never gave up on Quinn despite the shit she put him through. I admit that although bad boys are sexy as hell at the end of the day it's the good guy you want next to you. The dependable, kind one. If he is hot as well, that's an added bonus. The 4 stars are mostly for Reed Raymont Porter and his awesomeness.

Profile Image for Beverly.
1,005 reviews788 followers
August 31, 2016
3.75 Every Action…Stars

Quinn has had her heart broken time and time again.


She knows she is not ready to jump back in to a committed relationship, and is happy with her friends with benefits relationships.


Tyler is Quinn’s latest hookup...

Bev...not a fan of Tyler...

He is bad boy, bartender and guitar player. He is selfish, but she knows what she is getting with Tyler.

Everything is fine until she meets Reed.


Once Quinn meets Reed everything changes. He is a preppy environmentalist and the last thing she wants is to be attracted to is Repulsive Reed.

Despite her attempts to avoid and be a complete bitch to Reed she can’t get enough of him.

This a fun, short, sexy read. There are parts that felt a little cheesy to me, but overall I enjoyed reading the book.

While parts of Quinn were annoying, I could still relate with why she was the standoffish and hateful. I didn't love that she was a runner, I hate when people run from their problems. Reed was a little too soft for me, but he had his shining moments…case in point:

"Quinn, I won’t be your sloppy seconds. When you fuck me, and you will fuck me. I’m going to be the only man on your agenda for the night."

Overall, I would recommend this to someone looking for a quick light read. I read this in a few hours after work. As far as a love triangle, because I know many stay away from that, this girl included, I didn’t think the love triangle was too bad. I did have a few moments where I was on the edge of my seat, but I survived. As for cheating…

This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.
Profile Image for Shannie's ⭐️Lookin' 4 My Next BBF⭐️.
302 reviews207 followers
June 19, 2014
4 Pleasantly Surprised Stars!!

Thanks Great Buddy Reads Promo Group for a fun BR.


Quinn Carpenter has been hurt badly from past relationships so she doesn't do relationships anymore. She has fuck buddies and when things get too serious she finds a new buddy. Seems easy enough...right. That is until Reed Porter enters her world and boy does he enter it. Quinn can't seem to go anywhere without literally running in to Reed.

Now I must say that Quinn had me LMFAO during this entire book. I loved her inner monologue and how she gave everyone a nickname which started with the first letter of their name. For example, Reed started off by being Repulsive Reed.

Reed Porter has also been burned before by a cheating ex-girlfriend. Reed is everything Quinn doesn't go for in a guy. He's clean cut, preppy and Quinn usually goes for the tattooed bad boy. Reed doesn't give up easily though and the banter between these two is fabulous. The sex is even more fabulous........sizzling hot it is.

This is the first book I've read by Lisa Suzanne and it won't be the last. I truly enjoyed this light fluffy read. She did manage to throw in some twists that totally surprised me....and I love an author who can do that.

This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author.
This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group. Thank you Lisa Suzanne for allowing me to read your work in exchange for an honest review

Profile Image for Sarah.
361 reviews131 followers
June 20, 2014
4 'I've been converted to a good boy lover' stars.

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Wow what a surprising read. Really enjoyed this new standalone book written by Lisa Suzanne.

It tells the story of Quinn, the kind of girl who doesn't want to be tied down, she doesn't want anything serious and she sure as hell doesn't want to get involved in a relationship. Quinn's doing just fine on her own, especially since she has a regular f*ck buddy in tattooed bad boy Tyler.

But of course under all that bravado is a lost girl who has been deeply hurt. As the book blurb indicates Quinn has a past full of lies, cheating, and pain and it's left her with a strong desire to avoid all things that even hint at long term relationship.

So what happens when Quinn, whose life is exactly how she wants, bumps into blond hair, blue eyed, preppy pretty boy; Reed Porter, the exact opposite of everything Quinn likes.

“He was a baseball cap forward kind of guy. I went for baseball cap backwards kinds of guys.”

She isn’t interested in commitment. She doesn’t want a relationship. But Reed does and he's determined to show her that sometimes opposites do in fact attract.

So it's my humble opinion that, although I like a long haired, heavily tattooed, preferably leather clad dark haired, bad boy, that Tyler was in fact a prize .......

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And in fact it was Reed that stole my heart from very early on in this very addictive story all about taking chances and letting go of these things that keep us in our comfort zones. He was a mixture of sweet and genuine but as the book progressed so did his alpha make side;

“Quinn, I won’t be your sloppy seconds. When you fuck me, and you will fuck me, I’m going to be the only man on your agenda for the night”

I couldn't put this book down, in fact I read it in one sitting. This was my first book by author Lisa Suzanne and I have to say it won't be my last.

I loved the central character Quinn, she's feisty, sarcastic and a bit of a bitch but this balanced really well with Reed who was sweet but certainly no pushover.

Although that's not to say there weren't times when Quinn's decisions drove me bloody mad....

“Sometimes he really was very sweet. Sometimes he held me before telling me to go..."

WTF woman...... I'm sorry but my response would be a very loud "second word is OFF"

“I was starting to think it would be smart to break things off with Ty.” ...... a WELL NO SHIT SHERLOCK!!!

But apart from those times I can honestly say I found this book a very enjoyable read, my only reservation was there were a tad few cheesy lines scattered through the book, but I was able to over look these because this really was a book that kept me interested.

This review was based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.

Release date: 24th June 2014
Profile Image for Carolina L. .
145 reviews
June 19, 2014
This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.

***

A book is never easy of reviewing.
A good book and a book you loved... becomes harder.
Why? Because any word won't be enough to describe your emotions towards the book... But I'll try... ;)

***


Before I start a book, I never know what to expect. Sometimes I create some expectations... sometimes I don't. With this book I honestly didn't know what to expect. And sometimes, this is the best thing that can happen! When I've opened it, never occurred to me, that after that, I wouldn't be able to stop. Literally.
This was pure addiction...
This is what a true bookaholic needs! The want of wanting more! The need of needing more!
This was, for me,a tremendous perfection.



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What is told here, is the fear of love. It is the fear of want something, but the need of having it.
This is the story about Quinn... the woman with a shield, that thinks that no one will save her, but that wants the opposite...wants to be found... wants to be "the one" for someone.
This is the story too, of Reed... Reed... my heart beats everytime I read his name... because if there's perfect characters... Reed is the perfection. He's the savior... he's what Quinn needs, but what Quinn is afraid... Because someone like Reed, you don't find every day... and when you don't believe truly enough... you push it apart... and Quinn tries to keep strong... But...

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You'll feel their fights, tears, angst... but it will blow your mind...
You'll want more and more and more... and more will seem little...
But it's worth everything!


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***


This book touched me in a way few have done... and it will be with me forever!

Thank you Lisa! :)


***

BR with the lovely and fantastic ladies of Great Buddy Reads! :D
Profile Image for Laylaw.
323 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2014
4 Reed Porter is my new BOOK Boyfriend Stars! Quinn is a lost soul on the path of total self destruction and self loathing. After some scary losses and hits in her personal life she doesn't pull herself up, she takes herself down. She becomes her own worst enemy and a complete cum dumpster. That being said, Quinn is totally likeable with her snarky attitude, totally awesome verbage, and all around inner dialogue. She has struggles and she has lost her self worth. She has a type, and that type is a user (it also doesn't hurt that her type is a tattoo'd bady boy, with dark hair, dark eyes, and a serious bad attitude) Quinn herself is a user, and then one day her world is turned upside down by the biggest nerd from Geek land there is in his Prius, Reed Porter.
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Who said Nerds weren't sexy? Reed Porter is one fine environmentalist who puts Quinn on her toes and opens her eyes to things she hasn't felt in years. Things she didn't think she deserved or wanted. She just wanted to numb the pain with meaningless sex and then Reed makes her feel.

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Reed brings out the best in Quinn and even some of the worst- their banter is hands down hysterical and adds to their huge appeal. There is a lot of back and forth as Quinn finds her way out of her own self destruction and there are for sure some "I WANT TO SLAP SOME SENSE INTO HER MOMENTS" but it adds to the over all angst. An awesome read with some awesome ladies (Great Buddy Reads Promo)


*This review will be based on an unfinished Beta ARC generously gifted through Great Buddy Reads Focus Group by the author. This does not reflect the final published version with possible changes discussed through the group.*
Author 29 books497 followers
July 9, 2014
Romantic. Unexpected. Funny. Jaw-droppingly sexy. Heartbreak. Love. These are just a few of the words that came to mind after I finished reading this book. This was my first read from Lisa Suzanne, and I am so thrilled that I chose this one to be my first experience with reading her work. Side Effects is exactly as I stated above, an unexpected surprise of a book that I just couldn’t put down. This is definitely one that has stood out in my mind - the characters, the writing style, I loved all of it. Keep an eye out Lisa Suzanne - you have a new stalker on your hands!

From the very first chapter of this book Quinn Carpenter’s character had a hold of me. She rocket-shipped right out of the pages and demanded that I be her new best friend, that I not put the book down until I finished it. She is a no nonsense, no bullshit, what you see is what you get kinda girl and I LOVED her. Her snarky, bitchy comments had me laughing, not just a regular laugh either - the laugh that makes you lose your breath, the laugh that makes your sides hurt and unintentional tears squeak out. I had a perma-smile while reading this one, and very likely everyone I know thinks I’m some raging loony toon that smiles at her Kindle all day long and laughs out loud..

Quinn is a woman that knows exactly what she wants and what her type of man is - she is not looking for love, she’s looking for the thrill, for a sexy bad boy that is a rockstar in bed. And she definitely has that in her fuck buddy, the tattooed bad boy bartender, Tyler. Or Talented Tyler as she likes to call him. Tyler is so deliciously dangerous, and his physical connection with Quinn is off the charts on the sexy time meter. The two of them are satisfied with their no strings attached relationship..

Reed Porter. The boy with the all-american good lucks and the manners of a saint. A man that knows how to treat a lady and is confident enough to go after what he wants. And after several run-ins with Quinn, he knows that she is the one he wants. Their encounters are funny as well as frustrating - you have to admire a man like Reed, coming back around to a woman that rejects his advances in the way that Quinn does takes balls and he definitely proves that he has them. Quinn’s conversations with herself regarding Reed (Preppy Porter as she calls him) and all the reasons she can’t date him are nothing short of hilarious. Some of my fave comments:

“He’s a baseball cap forward kind of guy. I went for a baseball cap backwards kind of guys.”

“Who taps someone on the shoulder?”

“Voraciously? Who uses words like that? Nerd Alert.”

Reed pushes past all of Quinn’s defenses, I loved the way he called her out on her bullshit and made her see that what she really wanted under all of her tough exterior - was love, happiness, a stable relationship with someone that respected her. He surprises her, and I think he even surprised himself with the way he responded to her. Nothing was a bigger surprise to Quinn when he releases his inner bad boy. Reed Porter - his new nickname should have been Ravishing-Riveting-Passionate Reed Porter, holy mother of everything he is dynamite in the bedroom! The polar opposite of what Quinn (and okay, I was surprised too) expected. Watching the two of them slowly open up to each other - and seeing Quinn’s personality change as she discovered parts of herself that she had closed off was amazing. Who was this girl that suddenly stuttered and was nervous around men? Who was this girl that stumbled and fell face first into a guy’s ass? (Most hilarious scene I have EVER read by the way). Their journey was captivating to take part in.

As the two explore each other and whether or not they have anything more than a physical connection - there is still the question of Talented Tyler. I admit, I was torn through most of the book just as Quinn is on who the right guy for her is. When Tyler starts to change his ways, that’s when things really get complicated….

Side Effects Warning of Reading This Book: will cause extreme fits of laughter, will cause panties to melt clean off, will cause frustration and yelling out loud, will cause family/friends to believe you are a lunatic for yelling out loud, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: will be one of the best damn books you read this year.

**5 Deliciously Wicked Stars**

xo Cassia
deliciouslywickedbooks.com
Profile Image for ❃**✿【Yasmine】✿**❃.
810 reviews652 followers
June 26, 2014
2. 5 STARS

Genre: New Adult Romance
Cover: 6/10
Writing: 5/10
Heroine: 4/10
Hero: 6/10
Humour: 2/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 6/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV. Approx 224 kindle pages. Stand alone.

Quinn has definitely had her fair share of man problems. She's had relationships with; The Abusive But Dead one & The Caught Cheating With The Bestie one.
Now she's got two more at the same time in the shape of; The Bad Boy That's Only In It For one Thing one & The Preppy Won't Leave Her Alone one. What's a girl to do?

29 year old Teacher, Quinn loves bad boys, she is sworn off relationships and enjoys a no strings attached deal with Tyler, the wannabe rockstar who gets his rocks off and leaves her to see to her own. Quinn loves his rough touch and the lack of emotions. But when 'Reed Preppy Porter' barges into her life, she's finding herself very annoyed and panting with lust.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Side Effects started choppily. Then it became repetitive; the first 40% or so just kept on repeating her moaning about how Reed is not her type but she wants him - she thinks, her encounters with Tyler and 'bumping' into Reed. The drama from Tyler seemed very out of character and Quinn's drama at the end made her look like a whiny fool. Add in some corniness, well used lines, a four day romance, the fact that it needed editing... and come out with a 2.5 star read. The saving grace was the fact that my heart went out to Reed, he deserved someone better than Quinn though.
Profile Image for Jen Wildner.
271 reviews39 followers
November 21, 2014
This was a great read! From the very beginning I was intrigued; Quinn is a head strong woman who doesn’t think she needs that happily ever after like her best friend has. She’s perfectly content living her life carefree and screwing Talented Tyler whenever needs arise, a no strings attached friendship. One night she meets some preppy guy who is no where near her type. She just brushes him off and doesn’t think twice about his white polo shirt. But little did she know he couldn’t get her off of his mind. When she leasts expects Preppy guy barges into her life. Reed the preppy guy who is so not her type ends being everywhere she never expected, after having spent some time with him she can’t get him out of her mind. She doesn’t understand why not though, he is nowhere near her type and she is perfectly happy with Talented Tyler the bartender, her type. The more she sees Reed the more she fights with herself. Quinn has been hurt in the past and doesn’t want anybody else in her heart to hurt her again but Reed is driven; he wants her and is pulling all the stops to get her. Just when things start to go smoothly Quinn realizes she is no good for Reed, but there’s no way he is going to let her decide his future. If only she could forget all the horrible things she’d done and let him love her she could finally have her happily ever after. I love how Reed is on a mission and doesn’t let any road blocks get in his way; he anticipates Quinn’s thoughts and what exactly she’ll do next. This story just proves you never know how things will turn out if you don’t give them a chance. I absolutely loved this book! Lisa did it again, amazing, exciting, kept me on my toes!
Profile Image for Rachel Hicks.
283 reviews29 followers
June 11, 2014
I couldn't put it down once I started. I literally read this in one sitting. Lisa Suzanne wowed me once again. I love loved this book. Quinn is a firecracker, and a bit of a bitch she has been hurt and is holding onto things from her past that are literally smothering her. She cant move forward for fear that she will get hurt again. She has went from one jerk guy to the next and cant seem to break the pattern. She lives for the badest of the bad boys. That leads her directly into Ty's bed. Ty is an ass from the get go. I wanted to crawl into the book and punch him on more than one occasion. I never could see Quinn's attraction towards him. Ty is interested in Quinn for one thing and one thing only.

Reed is not on Quinn's radar in fact he continues to piss her off with his every move. However she is drawn to him and cant get his blue eyes out of her mind. Reed will take Quinn on the ride of her life and everything she has ever known will be flipped upside down. I loved Reed. He is a sweetheart and knows what he wants and exactly how to get it. He didn't need to be an alpha male to make it work. He is fun loving and wholesome. I love what he did for Quinn. Reed and Quinn really complete each other, if only Quinn could realize that.

I also so love that some of the characters from Separation Anxiety are included in this book. I will say it again, I loved this book. It flowed well, and you got a very good description of what the characters were feeling. The banter between everyone was great. I could not wait to turn the page and was just waiting to see what would come out of Quinn's mouth next. I loved the relationship between Quinn and her Brother Grant. It seemed harsh at times but I think that they really do care about each other.

I also have to say that Lisa does a great job at bringing to light such a serious topic in this book of domestic abuse and how it doesn't always have to be physical and how it affects its victims but also shows that a victim can fight through and find true happiness. Great job Lisa!!!
Profile Image for Breanna  Eichhorn.
1,251 reviews13 followers
July 10, 2014

We first meet Quinn when she is getting into a elevator full of people, to go to the dentist. She has claustrophobia. She wants to find her forever since her friend Veronica gets married and had a baby. She goes to Strickers because that is where Ty works. Ty and Quinn are friends with benefits because Quinn has been hurt before in previous relationships. While at Strickers she meets Reed, who she calls preppy because he always wears khaki pants and a polo shirt. Reed isn't Quinn's type, she goes for bad boys. Quinn goes home for a family day and he is there with her brother Grant. While with her parents they played a game of cornhole. She was on Reed's team. She can't get Reed out of her head. This book is a standalone, this book falls into the romance category.
Quinn has claustrophobia, she walked in on her ex having sex with another woman. She is a high school teacher to freshmen and Seniors. Veronica is a teacher, friends with Quinn and Avery, has a baby girl. Jesse is Veronica's husband, Quinn's friend, works with Quinn. Avery is Quinn's and Veronica's friend. Goes out with Quinn all the time because they are both single, works with Quinn and Veronica. Tyler is a singer and a bartender, is nicknamed talented twisted Tyler. Quinn's friends with benefits. Reed works with Grant, Grant's roommate, has feelings for Quinn, used to play baseball. Grant used to play baseball, Quinn's brother and he is a man whore. I can relate to Quinn and Reed the most. All the characters are very likable.
I truly loved this book, I loved the story line of this book and that you could see how the characters grew and developed throughout the whole story. I really loved the authors style of writing. This is my first book by Lisa Suzanne and it definitely will not be my last. I truly loved that I couldn't put this book down and that I was so engrossed in this book.
Profile Image for Books&Dreams.
575 reviews
July 7, 2014
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I love Lisa Suzanne's books.
Amazing Writer.
So I went in with high expectations, and she did not disappoint.
I gave this book 5 amazing stars.

This is Quinn's story.
She loves her life just the way it is. She has a man on the side Tyler. Quinn has a certain type in men, she likes them dark, tattooed and bad. That he is. She has been hurt and she is damaged. Then here comes Reed to mess up her life. He isn't at all what she is used to, there is not a tattoo in site. Mr. Preppy is all Quinn never looks for. There is a reason she doesn't fall. So how is Reed going to convince her that he is worth the trip?

Will she choose Reed or will she stay with Tyler the one that she is comfortable with and knows she won't get hurt?

I really enjoyed this book, Quinn tells it like it is. She feels it she says it. She is a no nonsense girl. I think it is because of all that she has been through. I love how Reed can push all her buttons and do things to her that nobody has ever done. Tyler was a bit Alpha Male and that is what she was used to, all in all this book was a big hit. I cannot wait to read more from Lisa she is a great writer. Thank you Lisa for your wonderful stories! <3
Profile Image for Alissa Riker.
156 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Lisa Suzanne and I have to say I will be checking out her other books! I loved this book so much! I devoured it in a day and a half.

Quinn has been hurt in the past and is just having a good time with whoever she pleases, at the time it is a guy named Tyler who just uses her for sex. But then she meets a preppy guy that is the total opposite of the guys she goes for, he tries to get her attention but she isn't having it. Fate steps in and she finds herself running into to Reed several times. I won't tell you anything else, just get the book and find out how amazing it is!

I love, love, love Preppy Reed!!! He is so sweet and charming!
Profile Image for Heidi Boyles.
335 reviews9 followers
August 7, 2014
This was an accidental find and I am so glad I did!! I became invested in Quinn's story immediately thanks to the superb writing style. The character development was on point as well as Lisa's writing style. I enjoyed every aspect of Quinn and Reed's story! I can't wait to read more from Lisa!!!
Profile Image for Sheri Hurbough.
20 reviews4 followers
July 21, 2014
Love the story about Quinn. Who can't relate to struggling to get past life issues? Lisa Suzanne does an excellent job of making the characters relatable.
Profile Image for akiiKOMORI reading.
428 reviews
February 7, 2025
I don't remember if I've said this before so I'll say it again.
Every time Lisa Suzanne comes out with a book I know I'll be BLOWN AWAY!
Whenever she comes out with a new novel, in my humblest opinion, it seems BETTER than what she's previously written. From this blogger's opinion, Lisa Suzanne has never written a bad book - everything is just THAT GOOD.
With every book she publishes I think, "This is the best thing she's written so far." And with every new book she's published she doesn't fail to impress me. You NEED to take my advice and pick up this spectacular author's books. She's going to be big, bigger than she is now, I already know it and can feel it in my bones!

Relationships were never something that came easy to Quinn Carpenter. She'd never had the best luck in her love life, so she decided to just have fun and have sex with no strings attached. It seemed to be working. She had Talented bar-tender Tyler, to satisfy her needs, she had a great job, great friends, but as of late she's been wanting more that just meaningless sex. Then she meets Preppy Reed Porter - everything opposite of what she wants. He's blonde, he has blue eyes, he wears polos and khaki's and wants to help save the environment. Definitely not bad boy material. And yet Quinn finds herself strange attracted to him...or strangely aggravated at how annoying he is. But Reed sees something in her and is attracted from the moment they meet. Now he just has to convince her that even though he isn't her type, he's everything she's ever going to need.

I'm starting to see a trend with strong female leads. AND I LIKE IT. It's a lot easier to write a woman who's...emotionally scarred from something or who's a little less proactive as I like to say. But strong, fierce women, who know what they want, who aren't afraid to speak their mind, they're the wild ones and I think are much harder to write. I'm always excited to read about strong female characters, and so far Quinn Carpenter is one of my favourites. THIS GIRL IS A BADASS CHICK! It's hard for me to picture her as a high school English teacher, especially the way she carries herself. No one said teachers couldn't live fun exciting lives, but she just takes it to another level. She's hot, she likes to drink and party, she clearly has....a lot of sex, and I just don't see her in a pencil skirt or jeans trying to teach a class about Romeo and Juliet.

What I love about Suzanne's characters is that they've got SUCH MEMORABLE and STRONG personalities. Even the minor characters like Avery, her brother Grant, and her lover Tyler, all have strong individual personalities that stand out and make every character special and unique.
The language and writing is beautiful, it's so simple, and has so much depth to it, I can't see anyone not liking it.
If their criticism is going to be "This is too perfect." or "It's so unrealistic." or even, "This is so fluffy." then they are SERIOUSLY misjudging Suzanne's talents. Pick up this book, or any of her other novels and be prepared to be blown away.

"Quinn, what exactly is your problem with me?"
I rolled my eyes as I shifted in my seat.
I had about a million problems with this guy.
He was preppy.
He was pretty.
He had no visible tattoos.
He was blonde.
He was sweet.
He wore polo shirts and khaki pants.
He was obnoxious.
He wasn't my type.
He was everything I didn't want in a man.
But for some reason, fate kept throwing him in my path.

The above list are all the reasons Quinn has no interest in Reed Porter. And I don't blame her.
Look at that list. It makes me shutter.
I'd like to think I'm a badass in some ways, and seeing someone like THAT would just scream, ABSOLUTELY NO WAY. People like Reed who are just perfect, and preppy, and nice, usually don't go for badass girls like Quinn, or all they want to do is get in their pants. But Preppy Porter has proved me wrong! He really is sweet and funny, warm and comforting, he's just an all around good guy any girl would be LUCKY TO HAVE.

I can't stop praising Suzanne for her ability to create the perfect man. Everything about them is just absolutely perfect. I just wish she could find these men in real life and send them my way. I will continue to look forward to the next book Suzanne writes, with great anticipation!

6/5 Hearts of Love

Check out the rest of my reviews at http://www.akiikomorireading.com
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,020 reviews188 followers
July 11, 2014
4.5 Stars!

I love Lisa Suzanne!! Just going to throw that out there, right off the bat. I've yet to read a book by her that I don't enjoy. And let me tell you, Side Effects was a great read. I loved Quinn ever since I first met in in Separation Anxiety, so I was really excited to read her story.
"Have you ever walked in on the man you love fucking another woman? I don't highly recommend it. But that's one of the side effects of dating assholes." - Quinn

See? LOVE her. She had a funny and witty attitude that will make anyone laugh. Sure made me laugh out loud several times....while reading in public, thank you very much. People flat out stared at me.
"I wanted someone to love me so much that he cried when he saw me walking down the aisle in my white dress toward out forever. I'd never experienced that sort of love." - Quinn

Quinn had been hurt more times that she cared to admit, and because of this she swore off love and relationships. She was all for friends with benefits, but a real, serious boyfriend? Hell. NO. She had learned her lesson. She looked for having a good time, no strings attached, which meant no heartache. Enter bad boy Tyler. They had the type of "relationship" where it was more like "wham, bam, thank you ma'am" and it worked. Simple. Easy. No fuss........or so Quinn thought.
"I knew that Ty fucking me was the only thing he would ever love about me." - Quinn

Life had other plans for Quinn and her "no boyfriend" rule. Enter Reed a.k.a. Preppy Porter. See, Quinn had a smart ass remark for everything and that included giving everyone a nickname. The ones she gave Reed were super funny. Reed may have been preppy, but he was nowhere near close being a wimp or a pushover. He put up with Quinn and her wittiness and never backed down. He never took no for an answer when it came to her. Their banter was hilarious and had me smirking A LOT while reading.

Quinn tried REALLY hard to fight off her attraction for Reed. REALLY-FREAKING-HARD. But she failed. Thankfully. There were times where I wanted to smack her on the head -- hard -- to make her see that Reed was YU-MMY and very much worth it.
"He's not your type, Quinn. But maybe your type isn't working for you anymore."

AMEN. Yes, my thoughts exactly! I mean, Reed was effin' HOT and not one bit of a wuss. Like I said, he never backed down and didn't take no for an answer.
"When you fuck me, and you will fuck me, I’m going to be the only man on your agenda for the night.” - Reed

Wowza. Panties, meet floor.
Once Quinn got over her fears and realized Reed was worth the risk -- worth the chance, their relationship blossomed and it was amazing to read. You could easily tell they both fell hard for each other and that Reed would stop at nothing to be by her side and make her happy. They actually made a great couple. Their personalities were a match and I LOVED it.

Lisa Suzanne's writing style is one I always connect with and enjoy reading. Her plot lines always keep me fully entertained and her characters are ones I always like, even when they piss me off. It takes a great author to make a reader feel different emotions while reading, and Lisa Suzanne always manages to do just that and with excellence.

Side Effects is honestly a wonderful book you should pick up!


Blog Tour post: http://bit.ly/1r17F0v
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tt2Nmp

Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
1,116 reviews19 followers
December 10, 2014
Cover Art is gorgeous and screams Marilyn Monroe with a rebel twist !

Quinn had a rather bad experience with the man she loved and poor chicken can't even turn to her friend for comfort as she was apart of this heartache :(

Quinn's at her friends wedding and I tear up both out of sentiment and because I feel for Quinn. She says something that I think everyone wants. .."I wanted someone to love me so much that he cried when he saw me walking down the aisle in my white dress toward our forever."

Having been hurt by Jared,Quinn and Caleb's beneficial friendship works for them until one decides they wanted more and again Quinn is on her own. But it would seem our girl does want the white picket fence , pitter patter of tiny feet and the happy ever after just not right now.....

Ty or rather "Talented Tyler" another of Quinn's friends with benefits, works at "Strikers" , a local bar , one night while out with bestie Avery, Quinn meets Reed aka "Mr Preppy" I think he's one to keep an eye on. ....

Quinn gets to see more of Reed at a family get together, turns out he's a friend of her brother, already she's having naughty thoughts. ....


There's chemistry between Quinn and Reed and the more she fights it the more she wants it ! I must admit "Mr Preppy" does take me by surprise when he boldly takes Quinn on!
As of now NERD is the new kryptonite! ♥ He's an undercover alpha male , love the way this one snuck up on us !

Quinn needs to realise she can't smother her pain in mindless meaningless sex and Jack & Coke. She needs to confront her issues and find her happy ever after . She's so much more than "passage quickies" as for Tyler , I like bad boys but the way he uses Quinn is starting to put me off :(

The relationship between Quinn and Reed starts developing and I'll give it to Reed he's patient ,I think I would've lost my cool with Quinn and her antics and attitude but Reed sees beyond her farce and I think that is why he's sticking around ♥

Besides their growing attraction to one another , Quinn and Reed share the pain of a cheating ex. Once this little tit bit of info is shared her fear of getting onto a relationship is a little clearer. Quinn shares the accident as well which also sheds light on a lot of things.

Quinn has made some bad choices when it comes to guys , Griffen, Jared,Tyler.... Come on girl give "Me Preppy" a chance, he's kind ,caring and compassionate ♥
Quinn hurts Reef and I feel like slapping her ! Thankfully Victoria steps in and guides her in the right direction.

Quinn and Reed finally have it out at "Strikers" of all places but at this point in time what matters is that they're having it out.

Then the twist comes, I'm reaching for my kleenex , Reed is bleeding and it looks rather bad WTF Lisa Suzanne!?

So it seems Quinn finds what she's looking for with beautiful side effects ♥

Another ★★★★★ read from Lisa Suzanne!
Profile Image for Christina.
1,452 reviews100 followers
July 19, 2014
Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Quinn has a type. She likes bad boys, like rockers with tattoos, and that’s exactly what she has in Tyler, her friend with benefits who works as a bartender and is in a band. So when preppy Reed meets Quinn at a local bar one night, things begin to change. Quinn immediately dismisses Reed, however her wingwoman hooks up with Reed’s friend. After numerous hookups with Tyler in places such as the behind whatever club his playing at the time, or with Quinn on her knees in dark hallways, she soon starts to realize that their relationship is going nowhere.

Reed is new in town and happens to be staying with Quinn’s older brother, whom he works with. Having just moved into the area from his small town in Wisconsin, he sets his mind to winning over Quinn. But without tattoos and the bad boy image, Quinn is not interested, until Reed starts to show his cocky alpha male self. Is there more to Reed than meets the eye?

When things start to develop between Quinn and Reed, Tyler soon figures out that maybe he does have feelings slightly deeper for Quinn than he originally thought. He sees her pulling away from him more and more each day, choosing Reed over him. When Tyler decides that he’s not going to give up that easily, Reed finds himself in Tyler’s sights, can this love triangle be solved amicably? Or will blood be shed?

Quinn’s relationship with both men was hot, however you just can’t help rooting for the underdog Reed. He’s an unsuspecting alpha male. You look at him in his popped collar polo, khakis, and loafers and you see someone without passion in the bedroom, as sort of a pushover, however that couldn’t be further from the truth. His confidence and dirty talk prove the stereotype wrong and that makes him hot! He’s made his way onto my book boyfriend’s list.

Side Effects was a quick, well written book that I was hooked on from page one. The storyline and characters were well developed and the attraction between Quinn and both men was certainly palpable. I also loved the relationship between Quinn and her brother. They made for some great comic relief and I could see how special that sibling bond was. This was the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be on the lookout for more. This one is a 4 ½ stars for me. The ending was slightly predictable, however it hardly affected my enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for Amie Morgado- We Stole Your Book Boyfriend.
1,664 reviews82 followers
July 11, 2014
This is a 5 star read for me because any book I can read in a matter of hours deserves the credit !! I was hooked right from the start , I feel Quinn's pain when it comes to being claustrophobic and having anxiety , for different reasons than her but the writing made me feel right in the moment when she was describing the way she felt. It was crazy.

We find out early on Quinn has been hurt by more than one guy and right now she is living her life just looking for the next fun guy !! For months she has been enjoying the company of Talented Tyler !! Bartender , guitarist and all around HOT AS SIN guy !! He is full of tattoos and he is great in bed , perfect for Quinn's needs and there is no complication. He may be a jerk but hey this is how she wants to treated or so she thinks...

Along comes Preppy Porter , Reed , the total opposite of Quinn's type , preppy , no tattoos , nice and looking for something more than she is willing to give. To make matters worse she ends up having to see him around since he works and lives with Quinn's brother. It does not take long for Quinn to start questioning her desires , she is freaked out that she cannot get Reed out of her mind. Now Quinn has gone from the uncomplicated life of being single and enjoying guys , alcohol and the club/bar scene to juggling 2 guys who are complete opposites but all of a sudden both want her badly. What should Quinn do ?? Take a chance on Reed or see if Tyler really can change ??

In one crazy twist Quinn realizes that what she want may not be good for the one she loves and she thinks she is doing him more harm than good. It takes some convincing but love is able to heal and bring them together for the happy ending they deserve.

I enjoyed this book so much , we all have our "Tyler" , at least I know I did , the one I hated to let go and always wanted to keep around !! Of course until my Reed came along , but still it is hard to let go of the easy uncomplicated and put yourself out there. Quinn is funny I love the nicknames !! Her moments of heat with both guys are super hot and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about that !!!!!! Reed is a genuine good guy but damn he can be bad too !! Tyler was my fave for most of the book but wow when he snapped it was rough. If you are looking for a quick read or some summer fun grab this book and enjoy Tyler , Reed and Quinn !!
Profile Image for Soreta.
21 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2014
Side Effects
Lisa Suzanne

5 Stars

Wow! How in the world do you do it Lisa Suzanne? I couldn't  believe (when reading the author's note) that you haven't been writing all that long! You are truly gifted, please don't stop writing! Ever!

Quintessential Quinn, that is what he calls her. While his nickname for her is spot on, she calls him Repulsive Reed and that is so far removed from the truth, that I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop calling him those awful names. Reed is not Quinn's type, she goes for bad guys. NO! Not bad boys, bad guys! Those good looking scum bags that care for one person only, themselves. 
When Reed Porter with his preppy look comes over to her table, she lets him know in no uncertain terms that she isn't into him and he can get lost. Guess her surprise when she goes to family lunch that Sunday, at her parents's house and finds him there... he is her brothers guest and highly capable colleague who she will unavoidably see everywhere.
I admit that the idea of Reed as this preppy boy was blissful joy. He's character is absolutely stunning and extremely hot and Quinn can't help but take notice...

The relationship between Quinn and Reed develops throughout the story and blossoms into something rare and beautiful. I went from judging the vivacious Quinn for her bad choices (the hallway incidents in particular) to understanding her, then pitying her for her insecurities and being angry, sad and filled with admiration all at once, for her stupidity in thinking that she must protect Reed from herself. I was so thankful for our beloved and trusted friend Victoria, from the book Separation Anxiety, for guiding Quinn through the rocky terrain and for Avery who kept telling her that she's worth so much more than she thinks herself to be.

The plot takes interesting turns and I was captured by it all in no time. 

Lisa continues writing new books in this series and clues us in that we have already met the next main character...I am betting that it is Avery! If not, I'm hoping that the story is about Grant, Quinn's brother, he certainly has lots of personality and add the fact that he has that burnt-by-love secret, mmmm, I could definitely read about that...
191 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2014
Quinn has had some pretty bad things happen in her past that have formed who she is currently. She has problems with trusting people, isn’t looking for a relationship, doesn’t believe in love at this time, and has severe panic attacks that affect her life. Her answer to relationships is Tyler Claiborne (Talented Twisted Tyler). He was what she thought was her type of man; he was in a band, worked as a bartender at Strikers, had tattoos and didn’t do relationships. Their relationship was an agreement to have sex, friends with benefits. One Friday night a man to be known as Preppy Porter tried to make conversation with her and she very rudely shut him down.
Reed Porter was a blond, athletic, environmentalist, who also had some skeletons in his closet that caused him to shy away from relationships as well. He had been hurt and cheated on and didn’t want to put himself out there again. So when he met Quinn at Strikers, he didn’t know what to think except she was being a complete bitch to him.
Neither Quinn nor Reed had any idea what fate had in store for them. This is a story of two heartbroken people, who run into each other by accident, not looking for anything, but they can’t deny there is something out there for them; they just don’t want to accept it.
This book has amazing HOT and Sensual sex scenes, a journey of self discovery for Quinn and the very important lesson in life that just because you aren’t looking for love, it might find you anyway. Quinn at times was one of the most frustrating characters that I have dealt with, I literally found myself talking to her when she was making stupid moves or saying things that made absolutely no sense. She was the queen of self-sabotage when it came to her life and relationships. I definitely was rooting for Reed, it came across as that all around American guy, but he still had is Alpha male side in the bedroom.
Lisa Suzanne you have done it again. This book was EXCELLENT. I enjoyed every minute of it, you made me laugh, cry, yell and argue with Quinn. I was sad to see it end, but happy to read that you are going to have another book with character from this one. 
Profile Image for Danielle .
2,565 reviews76 followers
July 11, 2014
4.5 stars
I loved Side Effects! Are you sick of bad boys who always get the girl?? Well get ready for the nerdy guy to come in and swoop you off your feet! That is right ladies, for once it is the nerdy, smart guy that converts this bad girl wanna be over to the good side!

For some reason Quinn has decided she is gonna ruin her life with crappy relationships and bad choices. She has been cheated on, almost left for dead and hurt by all ex's. This has made Quinn decided that bad boys are for her. Why I am not sure! She is OK being used by her "friend with benefits" Tyler. He is a grade 'A' jerks and she lets him do what he wants with her, when he wants for far too long. The sad part is that Quinn seems like a nice person. A high school English teacher who is close with her family, funny, caring when she wants to be. She deserves more.

Luckily Reed walks into her life. Reed is as straight laced as they come. Always wearing khakis and polo shirts. Clean cut, Good Job. Everything a girl would want, but not Quinn. The second she meets Reed, Quinn flips her bitch switch and tries to scare him off. For some reason, Reed won't walk away.

When Quinn goes over to her parents for dinner and Reed is there with her brother, she is forced to spend time with him. When she is not being rude, or maybe she realizes why she is being rude, she sees Reed is hot, charming and funny. Quinn knows he could be good for her. But keeps going back to Tyler.

I loved that Reed took the time to show Quinn what a real gentleman is. How he trees a women and respects her. His courting Quinn put things in a whole new perspective.

But Quinn being Quinn, sees she may not be good enough for Reed after a scary event takes place. It is the "side effect" of dating her. She is bad news. Quinn blames herself and runs. Thank goodness for Reed, who is like the super boyfriend! He doesn't whatever it takes to get Quinn to see what is right in front of her eyes.

I loved this book. I can't wait to read more from Lisa Suzanne!!!
Profile Image for Book Lovers' Nook.
14 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2014
3.5
-----------------------------------------------
Note: BLN was given a copy of the book, courtesy of the author/writer in exchange of a review.

"I was getting older and I was starting to want different things, but the idea of permanence still scared the sh*t out of me."

Quinn
There are instances that I truly get her. Burned before, she has a lot of baggage, and she struggles with them. Sometimes though there is a disconnect for me, like her character has not really "shown" me who she really is.

The men:

Tyler
At first, I kind of liked Quinn with Tyler, because hello, bad boys with tattoos & commitment issues right? But after a while, I'm agreeing with Quinn's friend that she deserves more. I think Quinn is passively punishing herself buy selling herself short. At first, I thought this was going to be a love triangle where I'd be really torn between rooting for Tyler or Reed, but in the end, Tyler made that decision so easy for me.

Reed
Enters Reed. He is this "nice guy" and hot, like I'm envisioning Clark Kent hot, haha. I kind of hated Quinn for her earlier treatment of Reed. And the nicknames! Gosh I hated the names she chose for him. He just moved to Quinn's area, fresh from a break-up only to get his heart broken again! I love Reed, he's actually my favorite here, not Quinn. LOL.

All in all, this is 3.5 stars for me. I felt that I lacked connection with Quinn at some parts of the story, but there are really high points and I'd definitely be reading the next book since I was hoping it's about Quinn's brother, Grant- the womanizer.



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