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Cade Creek #9
The Ties That Bind
Deputy Nick Hale and Dr. Devon Berkley have been best friends since grade school. They have always been there for each other, even when DB discovered he was gay and Nick was not. When tragedy strikes, being best friends might not be enough to keep Nick from making the worst mistake of his life. DB has always had a thing for his best friend but he hid it under years of friendship. Not willing to let the man out of his life, DB ignores the attraction growing between them and helps Nick plan his future--even if that future is with someone else. Nick Hale has always known DB had his back. The man being gay had never been an issue until one night, the comfort DB offers him brings to life fantasies he had buried long ago. When it seems like life has taken away his choices, Nick gives up his fantasies and goes with what he believes is right. But is it? Or is he fooling himself because the life he has always dreamed of might just be a fantasy?
[Siren The Stormy Glenn ManLove Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, HEA]
** A Siren Erotic Romance
[Siren The Stormy Glenn ManLove Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, HEA]
** A Siren Erotic Romance
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2015
About the author
Stormy Glenn
315 books1,703 followersAbout Me
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
I believes the only thing sexier than a man in cowboy boots is two, or three men in cowboy boots. I also believes in love at first sight, soul mates, true love, and happy endings.
I live in the great Northwest region of the USA, with my gorgeous husband and soul mate, two boxer/collie puppies, one old biddy cats, and three fish. When I'm not being a mother to my six teenagers or cleaning up after my two 70 pound lap puppies, you can usually find me cuddled in bed with a book in my hand and a puppy in my lap. Or on my laptop, creating the next sexy man for one of my stories.
I welcomes comments from readers, so drop me a line. stormyglenn@hotmail.com
What do I do ?
I'm a writer of erotic, paranormal, werewolf, futuristic, contemporary, gay, and Ménage a Trois romances. I'm currently published with Siren Publishing, Torquere Press, and Noble Ellora's Cave.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 22, 2015
In this ninth book of the ‘Cade Creek’ series, the focus is on Nick, the deputy who took two bullets in the previous book to protect Artie, saving his life in the process. But healing from those wounds isn’t the only difficulty Nick faces, and as it turns out, they are the least of his worries. It’s a good thing Nick’s best friend, Devon Berkley or DB to his friends, is there to support him. As it turns out, both men make mistakes as they try to hide their true feelings for various idiotic reasons. I wanted to shake both of them, repeatedly, to try to make them see sense. After finishing, my first reaction was astonishment about how different this story was from all the other ‘Cade Creek’ books so far. But then I realized that was only on the surface. Underneath, this is still a book about love, the deep connections each character has to the other and the community of Cade Creek, and the emotional ties that bind them as a couple. Just – be ready for some epic stupidity from these two men before they see the light.
Nick has barely recovered from the shooting when tragedy strikes and he is suddenly in charge of his three-year-old nephew and nine-month-old niece. Beyond dealing with his grief, he now has to figure out how to raise two small kids – something he has no clue how to do. Through it all DB is right at his side, and they become closer than ever. So close, in fact, that Nick gets scared of losing his much coveted “straight card”, so he runs. Right into the arms of pretty much the next available/interested woman, who will make a wonderful mother, Nick is sure.
DB has loved his best friend since he figured out he was gay, but after one kiss when they were teenagers and Nick thoroughly rebuffing him, DB has retreated and tells himself that friendship is good enough. He wants to support Nick and the kids as much as he can, but when, after a kiss and oral sex, Nick turns away, DB is hurt. Watching Nick get closer to Jessica breaks DB’s heart. And when they finally get intimate despite all of Nick’s assurances about how straight he is, only for Nick to tell DB he is going to marry her, DB withdraws.
Both men suffer as the friendship is no more, but neither of them speaks up or manages to actually talk about anything. This is where I was ready to bang their heads together so they could see some sense. And then comes the bachelor party… well, I’m not going to spoil the story for you, but believe me, if you’re anything like me you’ll be yelling at your e-reader.
If you like stories about men who have no clue what they want and even once they do, they don’t speak up because they’d rather suffer in silence, if you believe that “smoking hot chemistry alone does not a couple make” before each partner has learned their lesson, and if you’re looking for a read that has infuriating yet loveable characters, lots of heat, and more than one twist and turn, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Nick has barely recovered from the shooting when tragedy strikes and he is suddenly in charge of his three-year-old nephew and nine-month-old niece. Beyond dealing with his grief, he now has to figure out how to raise two small kids – something he has no clue how to do. Through it all DB is right at his side, and they become closer than ever. So close, in fact, that Nick gets scared of losing his much coveted “straight card”, so he runs. Right into the arms of pretty much the next available/interested woman, who will make a wonderful mother, Nick is sure.
DB has loved his best friend since he figured out he was gay, but after one kiss when they were teenagers and Nick thoroughly rebuffing him, DB has retreated and tells himself that friendship is good enough. He wants to support Nick and the kids as much as he can, but when, after a kiss and oral sex, Nick turns away, DB is hurt. Watching Nick get closer to Jessica breaks DB’s heart. And when they finally get intimate despite all of Nick’s assurances about how straight he is, only for Nick to tell DB he is going to marry her, DB withdraws.
Both men suffer as the friendship is no more, but neither of them speaks up or manages to actually talk about anything. This is where I was ready to bang their heads together so they could see some sense. And then comes the bachelor party… well, I’m not going to spoil the story for you, but believe me, if you’re anything like me you’ll be yelling at your e-reader.
If you like stories about men who have no clue what they want and even once they do, they don’t speak up because they’d rather suffer in silence, if you believe that “smoking hot chemistry alone does not a couple make” before each partner has learned their lesson, and if you’re looking for a read that has infuriating yet loveable characters, lots of heat, and more than one twist and turn, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Siren Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 18, 2021
Nick is an ass. I'm sorry but I just couldn't put it any better. DB has been a constant in his life since they were young and the way that Nick did him was dirty.
Nick slept with DB and literally right after told him he was marrying Jessica. Seriously who does that?
I love DB , he is just too nice. I'm sorry that everything got resolve between the two of them and it didn't became public knowledge that DB was planning on leaving Cade Creek. I wanted to see Nick beg. He used DB because he knew that DB would always be there for him. DB deserved better.
Nick slept with DB and literally right after told him he was marrying Jessica. Seriously who does that?
I love DB , he is just too nice. I'm sorry that everything got resolve between the two of them and it didn't became public knowledge that DB was planning on leaving Cade Creek. I wanted to see Nick beg. He used DB because he knew that DB would always be there for him. DB deserved better.
December 22, 2015
- - - Wonderful DB/Devon is a doctor who loves being in this town of Cade Creek. :) Big "studly" Nick, a cop, loves his town, too, because his sister, husband and niece and nephew live there also. DB and Nick are best friends and have been since they were kids. When Nick comes into the ER shot twice, DB takes over and cares for him. They tease each other as always, cute banter and true friendship, as DB takes Nick home to recuperate. Nick isn't gay, but loves DB deeply. They shared a kiss as kids, but that was all. Now, Nick is feeling more for his friend. After the horrific accident, when his sis and hubby are killed, Nick and the kids move in with DB and all help each other deal with the new life they now have. Nick is considering marrying a woman so the kids have a "mother and a father". A lot happens in this short story, it is interesting, believable, the M/M sex is sizzling, and the characters are wonderful. I love a Stormy Glenn tale, and this is part of the Cade Creek series. The men have more sex, and Nick is miserable at the thought of marrying her when he doesn't love her. (There is no cheating in this story. ) The wedding day has a big twist and the guys are amazing.
It's a sweet read. ENJOY !!!
It's a sweet read. ENJOY !!!
June 1, 2016
Ok this made me cry at the beginning. AND draw a major resemblance to SIGNS (movie) with Mel Gibson in it...in regards to Nick's sister Betty.
I actually reallllly liked this. Nick's loss kind of forces him to look at his bff in a different light and take a chance. Of course, deciding to marry Jessica... well that's my big stumbling block. They have practically no air time! And neither Nick or DB actually confirm that the only reason Nick is doing this is cus he feels like its the best thing for the kids.
Plus, after the bachelor party and intimate time later that night, Nick just dips out and revises plans with Jessica and doesn't even remotely explain to DB what's going on.. OK so 2 blocks...
3.5
I actually reallllly liked this. Nick's loss kind of forces him to look at his bff in a different light and take a chance. Of course, deciding to marry Jessica... well that's my big stumbling block. They have practically no air time! And neither Nick or DB actually confirm that the only reason Nick is doing this is cus he feels like its the best thing for the kids.
Plus, after the bachelor party and intimate time later that night, Nick just dips out and revises plans with Jessica and doesn't even remotely explain to DB what's going on.. OK so 2 blocks...
3.5
March 1, 2019
DB has loved Nick since the moment he knew he was gay. Too bad his best friend is straight…or is he?
The Ties that Bind is ninth in Stormy Glenn’s Cade Creek series. Ms. Glenn came super close to giving me a character I didn’t like. I mean Nick couldn’t be that clueless…could he? His live revolved around work and DB and he never once wondered why? I felt so bad for DB. He was in love with his best friend and it seemed like Nick did just enough to keep DB on the hook. And when tragedy struck it got worse. But I should have had faith in Ms. Glenn. Nick grew a pair but would it be too late? I really liked DB. He had such a big heart. I wouldn’t have put up with half the stuff Nick pulled but it fit his personality. I loved just how much he cared. While at times I wanted him to stand strong, I also understood why he made the choices he did. I enjoyed returning to Cade Creek. I also enjoyed the glimpse into Nick’s world. I love that Ms. Glenn found a way to redeem him in my eyes. And I can’t wait to return to this world she has created.
Five Shooting Stars
The Ties that Bind is ninth in Stormy Glenn’s Cade Creek series. Ms. Glenn came super close to giving me a character I didn’t like. I mean Nick couldn’t be that clueless…could he? His live revolved around work and DB and he never once wondered why? I felt so bad for DB. He was in love with his best friend and it seemed like Nick did just enough to keep DB on the hook. And when tragedy struck it got worse. But I should have had faith in Ms. Glenn. Nick grew a pair but would it be too late? I really liked DB. He had such a big heart. I wouldn’t have put up with half the stuff Nick pulled but it fit his personality. I loved just how much he cared. While at times I wanted him to stand strong, I also understood why he made the choices he did. I enjoyed returning to Cade Creek. I also enjoyed the glimpse into Nick’s world. I love that Ms. Glenn found a way to redeem him in my eyes. And I can’t wait to return to this world she has created.
Five Shooting Stars
May 14, 2018
I always enjoy coming back to Cade Creek and this was no exception. This is DB and Nick's story, best friends since elementary school even though Nick is straight and DB I'd not and has had a crush on his breast friend since he was 16. Suddenly Nick doesn't seem to be opposed to exploring their attraction but when tragedy strikes he can't make choices just to make himself happy no matter what the cost. And DB will support him no matter what- even is his heart is breaking.
Can be read as a standalone but it's always nice to catch up with characters from previous books. I enjoy the series and will definitely by the next book, too.
November 19, 2019
Fue mas drama de lo que esperaba pero me agradó como se fueron dando las cosas, apachurró mi corazón en los momentos indicados así que salió bien, y me encantan los personajes, si es que me faltó un poco de realismo.
February 22, 2018
So disappointed in this one..... it’s barely a three...
July 30, 2023
I hated it
January 7, 2016
3 Heart Review by Kimberley
This book wasn’t really as interesting or as exciting as the others were but I still liked it. This book takes us in a bit different direction, though.
In this book, you have two life long friends. Devon and Nick grew up together so they have a long history, they’re almost like family. Devon is smart, handsome, funny and successful doctor in Cade Creek who is a great catch but is single. He’s single because he’s carrying a torch for his best friend Nick, one of the police deputies in Cade Creek.
These two men have a routine of beer, pizza and game watching every other night. There’s no chemistry, no sexual tension, or anything like that between them, so it’s safe to say that the romantic relationship that development between these two seemed forced.
I felt that everything that Nick did after the accident was for convenience: his dependence on Devon, the relationship he formed with Jessica, the sex he and Devon engaged in, even falling in love with Devon. It all just didn’t feel genuine.
As far as this story goes, Nick was heterosexual with little to no indication that he fantasized or experienced anything remotely sexual with the same sex so that’s why the GFY (Gay For You) angle this story took didn’t quite work for me. The sexual passion—what little there was of it-that was injected into the relationship felt forced and didn’t come through to me as a reader.
I like the fact that this book didn’t have an abuse/rape/hurt theme or violence. The tragedy was sad and the story ran along in predictable lines but it did have a nice ending.
I was intrigued by D.B.’s colleague, Dr. Sutherland. There’s a story there and I really want to read about what’s going on with him. Hopefully, book ten will have some answers to the questions raised in this book.
The other books in this series have mild-to mid- level violence and may deal with issues such as domestic/family violence, physical, mental, sexual abuse and rape so if those are your triggers, I would recommend you skip those parts.
This book is part of a series and as such should be read in sequential order. It is recommended that your read the Blaecleah Brothers Cowboy series as their characters cross over into this series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
This book wasn’t really as interesting or as exciting as the others were but I still liked it. This book takes us in a bit different direction, though.
In this book, you have two life long friends. Devon and Nick grew up together so they have a long history, they’re almost like family. Devon is smart, handsome, funny and successful doctor in Cade Creek who is a great catch but is single. He’s single because he’s carrying a torch for his best friend Nick, one of the police deputies in Cade Creek.
These two men have a routine of beer, pizza and game watching every other night. There’s no chemistry, no sexual tension, or anything like that between them, so it’s safe to say that the romantic relationship that development between these two seemed forced.
I felt that everything that Nick did after the accident was for convenience: his dependence on Devon, the relationship he formed with Jessica, the sex he and Devon engaged in, even falling in love with Devon. It all just didn’t feel genuine.
As far as this story goes, Nick was heterosexual with little to no indication that he fantasized or experienced anything remotely sexual with the same sex so that’s why the GFY (Gay For You) angle this story took didn’t quite work for me. The sexual passion—what little there was of it-that was injected into the relationship felt forced and didn’t come through to me as a reader.
I like the fact that this book didn’t have an abuse/rape/hurt theme or violence. The tragedy was sad and the story ran along in predictable lines but it did have a nice ending.
I was intrigued by D.B.’s colleague, Dr. Sutherland. There’s a story there and I really want to read about what’s going on with him. Hopefully, book ten will have some answers to the questions raised in this book.
The other books in this series have mild-to mid- level violence and may deal with issues such as domestic/family violence, physical, mental, sexual abuse and rape so if those are your triggers, I would recommend you skip those parts.
This book is part of a series and as such should be read in sequential order. It is recommended that your read the Blaecleah Brothers Cowboy series as their characters cross over into this series.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 4, 2020
Sighh…. So, Nick and DB.
I was confused, because I was hoping we’d jump right into Bear and his story, but we got a little side-step into Dr. Berkley and Nick… who I was glad to see doing so well after being shot in Artie and Dorian’s story…. Did I mention how much I love this entire series? I do… and because I’m just now finding them, I’ve spent the weekend binging on them!
So, Nick and DB have been best friends since as long as they can remember. DB had to bury all of his feelings for Nick, because Nick is unwaveringly straight. He doesn’t make it a secret either, he says no one will ever top him and he’ll never suck a D…. that doesn’t ever get glossed over either, I hope, for DB’s sake that he changes his mind, because how selfish… right?
So, when a family tragedy has Nick with the custody of his sister’s kids, DB is where he’s always been. Right by Nick’s side. If you don’t like kids in your stories though, don’t worry… they’re only casually mentioned...which I didn’t understand because hello…. Nick has 2 kids now… they were always off somewhere else though, so…whatever.
So, because Nick is an idiot and DB is a loyal friends who is well versed in hiding his feelings for Nick, Nick decides he needs to get married and the first chick who hits on him is good enough. They start dating, which bugs me, had I known this was a triangle kinda thing, I’d have skipped it. I think DB deserves waaaaay more than that…. And Nick would experiment with DB (not so straight after all) and then go back to getting married. It just put me off Nick, for real. I hated it too cuz I loved him in previous books. He just came across as selfish and self-centered. It didn’t matter that he was hurting his best friend so much….and of course, DB’s feelings never really came out because up until wedding day, he just went along with whatever Nick wanted.
I think this was the first one in this series that I really could’ve done without. Which sucks, because each book in the series is almost 4 dollars and most are so incredibly short with such abrupt endings… this one just really grated on me.
Glad they worked it out and finally got together in the end, but that’s about it.
2 stars from me.
I was confused, because I was hoping we’d jump right into Bear and his story, but we got a little side-step into Dr. Berkley and Nick… who I was glad to see doing so well after being shot in Artie and Dorian’s story…. Did I mention how much I love this entire series? I do… and because I’m just now finding them, I’ve spent the weekend binging on them!
So, Nick and DB have been best friends since as long as they can remember. DB had to bury all of his feelings for Nick, because Nick is unwaveringly straight. He doesn’t make it a secret either, he says no one will ever top him and he’ll never suck a D…. that doesn’t ever get glossed over either, I hope, for DB’s sake that he changes his mind, because how selfish… right?
So, when a family tragedy has Nick with the custody of his sister’s kids, DB is where he’s always been. Right by Nick’s side. If you don’t like kids in your stories though, don’t worry… they’re only casually mentioned...which I didn’t understand because hello…. Nick has 2 kids now… they were always off somewhere else though, so…whatever.
So, because Nick is an idiot and DB is a loyal friends who is well versed in hiding his feelings for Nick, Nick decides he needs to get married and the first chick who hits on him is good enough. They start dating, which bugs me, had I known this was a triangle kinda thing, I’d have skipped it. I think DB deserves waaaaay more than that…. And Nick would experiment with DB (not so straight after all) and then go back to getting married. It just put me off Nick, for real. I hated it too cuz I loved him in previous books. He just came across as selfish and self-centered. It didn’t matter that he was hurting his best friend so much….and of course, DB’s feelings never really came out because up until wedding day, he just went along with whatever Nick wanted.
I think this was the first one in this series that I really could’ve done without. Which sucks, because each book in the series is almost 4 dollars and most are so incredibly short with such abrupt endings… this one just really grated on me.
Glad they worked it out and finally got together in the end, but that’s about it.
2 stars from me.
December 6, 2015
This book is part of a series and should be read in order. Also this is a spin-off of the Blaecleah Brothers series and takes place in the same town with characters from that series showing up.
OK, I liked the book for the most part. However one of the characters, Nick, spent a good part of the book pissing me off. The way he blew hot and cold with DB just irked the hell out of me. In my opinion DB should have kick his ass a time or two.
I really felt bad for DB and the angst Nick put him through. Not to say DB was completely blameless because he really was not. I really want to knock some sense into both their heads, a time or two, or three.
On one hand I get that Nick was going through a really rough time. But he was so blind to the pain he was causing DB. It was just… uhg, so annoying. DB was no better in letting Nick get away with it all instead of just speaking the hell up.
Other then all that, the story was kind of cute and with some really sexy moments. But yes I would have enjoyed it a lot more without the characters annoying me so much. For me it just kind of ruined it and made me feel like something was missing throughout.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
OK, I liked the book for the most part. However one of the characters, Nick, spent a good part of the book pissing me off. The way he blew hot and cold with DB just irked the hell out of me. In my opinion DB should have kick his ass a time or two.
I really felt bad for DB and the angst Nick put him through. Not to say DB was completely blameless because he really was not. I really want to knock some sense into both their heads, a time or two, or three.
On one hand I get that Nick was going through a really rough time. But he was so blind to the pain he was causing DB. It was just… uhg, so annoying. DB was no better in letting Nick get away with it all instead of just speaking the hell up.
Other then all that, the story was kind of cute and with some really sexy moments. But yes I would have enjoyed it a lot more without the characters annoying me so much. For me it just kind of ruined it and made me feel like something was missing throughout.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
October 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. I think it might have a lot to do with the relationship, the friendship, that DB and Nick have had since they were kids. The tragedy that struck Nick was written so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes.
The sex was super hot, but then again, this is a Stormy Glenn novella. She knows her way around the bedroom, or bathroom, or kitchen, or truck, or..... well, you get my meaning.
Adored seeing DB and Nick get such a gorgeous HEA.
The sex was super hot, but then again, this is a Stormy Glenn novella. She knows her way around the bedroom, or bathroom, or kitchen, or truck, or..... well, you get my meaning.
Adored seeing DB and Nick get such a gorgeous HEA.
November 12, 2015
3.5 stars
I liked this instalment of Cade Creek but it was missing the angst I was expecting. With the issues between DB and Nick and the way Nick chose the deal with them I thought thing would be a little more heart wrenching followed by a fluffy HEA, did get the HEA but wanted them to work for it a bit more.
I liked this instalment of Cade Creek but it was missing the angst I was expecting. With the issues between DB and Nick and the way Nick chose the deal with them I thought thing would be a little more heart wrenching followed by a fluffy HEA, did get the HEA but wanted them to work for it a bit more.
November 19, 2015
OMG THIS ONE IS MY NEW FAVORITE! !!!
DB and Nick, life long friends,tragedy pulls them even closer, until one of them realizes that he's staring at the love of his life. The chemistry between these two was SMOKING HOT. Love the banter, funny comments, the comfort, devotion and pure love.
this was so very sad, but also funny, loving, sweet and sexy as sin
loved this story
love this series
DB and Nick, life long friends,tragedy pulls them even closer, until one of them realizes that he's staring at the love of his life. The chemistry between these two was SMOKING HOT. Love the banter, funny comments, the comfort, devotion and pure love.
this was so very sad, but also funny, loving, sweet and sexy as sin
loved this story
love this series
March 5, 2016
Very cheesy I mean the sister stays alive only because the cars trapping her body then stringing along the person you love letting them think your marrying someone else all the while your secretly planning to marry them. I find that cruel and stupid. I don't know maybe I read too much into it but it just didn't do it for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2015
A nice read. It started off sad tugging at your heart strings, but showed how a best friend was willing to stick by his friend's side no matter what. It took Nick a bit to figure things out, but when he did he was all in.
August 3, 2016
Man, and to think I actually liked Nick Hale in the previous books. Not anymore.
Nick:
Nick:
December 4, 2015
Didn't seem to follow the formula the other books did..seems like something was missing.
November 14, 2015
3.75 stars
November 16, 2015
3.75 stars
September 2, 2016
Not as good as usual. The MCs irritated me too often & that spoiled the flow.
September 19, 2016
The Ties That Bind [ Cade Creek 9]
This was great I'm glad they figured out they love each other and I can't wait to read the next one too Wtg Stormy ...
This was great I'm glad they figured out they love each other and I can't wait to read the next one too Wtg Stormy ...
September 29, 2016
一直喜欢看这种直男被勾搭弯的，而且这篇文还有什么纠结困惑情节啊，吃醋情节啊之类的，都挺好的。但是可能因为太短了，还是太少挣扎了，矛盾虐点少，而且作者的文字有些读着乏味，不过总体还算是可以吧。
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