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Operation: Hot Spot #3
Bound by Deception
He broke her heart. She twisted his mind. But in this game of love, nothing is quite as it seems…
Rebecca's life is haunted by unexpected tragedies. Her lover left her when she least expected it, and her mother's suicide took everybody by surprise. But when a recent inheritance reveals a secret, Rebecca discovers her mother's death was actually a cold-blooded murder…
Dante "Rio" Addario swore off his irresistible ex and her web of lies 12 years ago. But the former Navy SEAL turned police detective can't ignore Becca's plea to re-open an old case. As he and his ex team up, they discover missing evidence, tight-lipped detectives, and the conspiracy that tore them apart over a decade ago…
With everything they believed thrown into chaos, Rio and Becca can't ignore their reawakened desire. But if they don't solve the case soon, the real killer may just finish the job and their love story…
Bound by Deception is the pulse-pounding third book in the Bound By series of romantic suspense novels. If you like simmering chemistry, chilling mysteries, and second chances, then you'll love Trish McCallan's twisty tale.
Rebecca's life is haunted by unexpected tragedies. Her lover left her when she least expected it, and her mother's suicide took everybody by surprise. But when a recent inheritance reveals a secret, Rebecca discovers her mother's death was actually a cold-blooded murder…
Dante "Rio" Addario swore off his irresistible ex and her web of lies 12 years ago. But the former Navy SEAL turned police detective can't ignore Becca's plea to re-open an old case. As he and his ex team up, they discover missing evidence, tight-lipped detectives, and the conspiracy that tore them apart over a decade ago…
With everything they believed thrown into chaos, Rio and Becca can't ignore their reawakened desire. But if they don't solve the case soon, the real killer may just finish the job and their love story…
Bound by Deception is the pulse-pounding third book in the Bound By series of romantic suspense novels. If you like simmering chemistry, chilling mysteries, and second chances, then you'll love Trish McCallan's twisty tale.
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First published March 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 22, 2022
Another great read.! Keep em coming!
February 6, 2019
Trish McCallan tries a who-dun-it with fairly good success. Nobody does anything too stupid. Decent characters, but nobody will be that person I remember for a long time.
June 16, 2018
I loved how this story played out until the very end, all of a sudden they’re back together. After all the pain and hurt he put her through, she just took him back like nothing. I wanted to see him work for her forgiveness, he needed to redeem himself after he just walked out on her and refused to listen to her. The revealing of what really happened both in the situation that tore them apart and with her mother’s death was drawn out perfectly. The buildup was done very well and I appreciated Becca being such a mature, strong heroine who didn’t melt at his hotness or let him bully her into doing as he said but was smart enough to accept help when he pulled his head out of his ass. I loved how intelligent she was and put him in his place several times for not believing her, treating her like she was stupid, trying to outsmart her when she rejected his help and hired someone else to help her when he didn’t take her claims seriously. Every shot he threw at her, she hit right back just as hard. I loved everything about her from her cool facade she easily played off to show he meant nothing to her but hired help, her quick wit, her power to shut off her attraction and feelings that could get her hurt by him once again. She was everything I want in a heroine that was wronged.
The end was what ruined her character for me. As soon as he found out he truth, she unfortunately started letting her guard down. I hated her initiating a kiss between them and couldn’t be happy for them being together in the end because he still had so much work to do with her. He needed to make up for him being an asshole the whole book, both the past and in the present. He got away with his shit behavior, earned her trust back like nothing, and got to enjoy having her love and her back in his miserable life when he didn’t earn it, didn’t deserve it, YET. He didn’t apologize enough, he didn’t grovel enough, he didn’t put in enough work for me to say he deserved her in the end. That was my only problem with two book and sadly, it’s enough to dissuade me from ever picking this book up again. I can’t do it another time, even though the rest of the story was awesome, I just can’t stomach the ending again after all he put her through.
There in lies this author’s flaw, her buildup is great, her characters have improved with each story, but her endings are too abrupt and don’t give us a chance to see the characters build their relationship as a couple. One minute they’re still on the fence as a potential relationship and in the middle of a dangerous situation, the next they have a life or death scare, then the book ends with them as a happy couple in love with no reservations about their status. We miss everything in between from developing as two uncertain individuals interested in each other but holding off into two people completely in love and solid. This is what this author is missing in her books compared to others. She’s missing the 3/4 mark in her books and it makes a huge difference.
I’m still interested in the full length novel of Demi and Aiden though and hope that she does then justice, well better than Rio and Becca at least...but after their book I’m going to have to walk away from this author.
The end was what ruined her character for me. As soon as he found out he truth, she unfortunately started letting her guard down. I hated her initiating a kiss between them and couldn’t be happy for them being together in the end because he still had so much work to do with her. He needed to make up for him being an asshole the whole book, both the past and in the present. He got away with his shit behavior, earned her trust back like nothing, and got to enjoy having her love and her back in his miserable life when he didn’t earn it, didn’t deserve it, YET. He didn’t apologize enough, he didn’t grovel enough, he didn’t put in enough work for me to say he deserved her in the end. That was my only problem with two book and sadly, it’s enough to dissuade me from ever picking this book up again. I can’t do it another time, even though the rest of the story was awesome, I just can’t stomach the ending again after all he put her through.
There in lies this author’s flaw, her buildup is great, her characters have improved with each story, but her endings are too abrupt and don’t give us a chance to see the characters build their relationship as a couple. One minute they’re still on the fence as a potential relationship and in the middle of a dangerous situation, the next they have a life or death scare, then the book ends with them as a happy couple in love with no reservations about their status. We miss everything in between from developing as two uncertain individuals interested in each other but holding off into two people completely in love and solid. This is what this author is missing in her books compared to others. She’s missing the 3/4 mark in her books and it makes a huge difference.
I’m still interested in the full length novel of Demi and Aiden though and hope that she does then justice, well better than Rio and Becca at least...but after their book I’m going to have to walk away from this author.
June 20, 2020
Read as: Loyalty Under Fire (Operation: Hot Spot Book 3)
This series gets better and better with each volume published. I loved just about everything about this book. I adore Becca. She is everything a heroine in this genre usually isn’t. She’s strong and smart and feisty. She doesn’t take her safety for granted and she has a bone deep belief in what she knows to be true. She also doesn’t turn into a puddle of goo every time the hero ‘smoulders’ at her. Which, considering how much horrible treatment of her he needed to make up for was delightfully refreshing. Rio, on the other hand, made me want to scream in frustration. Years ago, he judged Becca on other people’s faulty impressions of her and he treated her like crap. And he really hasn’t outgrown that behavior. I really enjoyed the way the suspense played out over the course of this story. The villain wasn’t a surprise to me, but the motive caught me off guard. I’m a little disappointed in how quickly the ending wraps up, though. I wanted to see Rio atone more for his treatment of Becca. I admire her ability to let go of past hurts, but the vindictive part of me really wanted to see more grovelling. I’m very looking forward to seeing what the next book brings us based on the tidbits we’ve been fed throughout this series.
I read a borrowed copy of this book.
This series gets better and better with each volume published. I loved just about everything about this book. I adore Becca. She is everything a heroine in this genre usually isn’t. She’s strong and smart and feisty. She doesn’t take her safety for granted and she has a bone deep belief in what she knows to be true. She also doesn’t turn into a puddle of goo every time the hero ‘smoulders’ at her. Which, considering how much horrible treatment of her he needed to make up for was delightfully refreshing. Rio, on the other hand, made me want to scream in frustration. Years ago, he judged Becca on other people’s faulty impressions of her and he treated her like crap. And he really hasn’t outgrown that behavior. I really enjoyed the way the suspense played out over the course of this story. The villain wasn’t a surprise to me, but the motive caught me off guard. I’m a little disappointed in how quickly the ending wraps up, though. I wanted to see Rio atone more for his treatment of Becca. I admire her ability to let go of past hurts, but the vindictive part of me really wanted to see more grovelling. I’m very looking forward to seeing what the next book brings us based on the tidbits we’ve been fed throughout this series.
I read a borrowed copy of this book.
February 4, 2019
This is a gripping, suspenseful and dramatic second chance love story. Rio is gullible, stubborn, self-absorbed and cold. At least with Becca and the Harts. Becca is untrusting, unemotional, determined and caring. Becca and Rio met and fell in love while Becca with her father's family. Becca was there because her mother committed suicide. Becca's step family did everything they could to come between them, eventually driving him away with lies. 13 years later she learns that her mother's death may not have been suicide, and has to go to the police department in her hometown to ask them to look into it. Rio is the one who interviews her, and dismisses her immediately. Then things happen that make him rethink his stance on the investigation, and her. He gets some nasty shocks while working on the case, on top of the realization that he still hasn't gotten over Becca. It's a thrilling story that I couldn't put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
April 5, 2022
Stubborn Rio
When she was younger Becca's mom killed herself. When she turned 18 she ran away from her dad's abusive family and hasn't gone back. She now has a successful practice as a psychologist. She receives a desk from her mom's old employer and finds something that makes her think her mom was murdered. She returns to town and it turns out the detective is Rio. He left her when she was 18, days before she left town. He thinks he caught her cheating. She thinks he didn't love her enough to figure out the truth.
There are secrets, murder attempts, the mystery of her mom's death and old hurts. Lots of pain and loss to get through and unfortunately not a lot of redemption except for Becca and Rio. It's sad she was surrounded by so many people who wouldn't look out for her.
When she was younger Becca's mom killed herself. When she turned 18 she ran away from her dad's abusive family and hasn't gone back. She now has a successful practice as a psychologist. She receives a desk from her mom's old employer and finds something that makes her think her mom was murdered. She returns to town and it turns out the detective is Rio. He left her when she was 18, days before she left town. He thinks he caught her cheating. She thinks he didn't love her enough to figure out the truth.
There are secrets, murder attempts, the mystery of her mom's death and old hurts. Lots of pain and loss to get through and unfortunately not a lot of redemption except for Becca and Rio. It's sad she was surrounded by so many people who wouldn't look out for her.
March 7, 2019
When we meet Detective Dante "Rio" Addario in Bound by Temptation after he arrives at Emma Janssen's house after the break-in and Emma admires how good-looking but cold Rio is, we finally find out the reason for his coldness as if we hadn't already guessed...A woman!
Rio's ex Rebecca Blaine is back in town after twelve years to re-open her mother's case which Becca now does not believe was suicide. Rio's not in a hurry to open up old wounds or Becca's mother's case until someone tries to kill her. This time Rio is the one who needs help from his former SEAL team to keep Becca safe.
It's inevitable that Becca and Rio will rekindle their old feelings and wind up together but not without a lot of family drama and revealed secrets that drove them apart. Rio seeks help from Tag and Tram to keep Becca safe. Though the story is quite predictable, it is also enjoyable waiting for the revelations to unfold.
Tag is the remaining odd man out and it will be interesting to find out if and why he attempted to poach a teammate's girl.
Rio's ex Rebecca Blaine is back in town after twelve years to re-open her mother's case which Becca now does not believe was suicide. Rio's not in a hurry to open up old wounds or Becca's mother's case until someone tries to kill her. This time Rio is the one who needs help from his former SEAL team to keep Becca safe.
It's inevitable that Becca and Rio will rekindle their old feelings and wind up together but not without a lot of family drama and revealed secrets that drove them apart. Rio seeks help from Tag and Tram to keep Becca safe. Though the story is quite predictable, it is also enjoyable waiting for the revelations to unfold.
Tag is the remaining odd man out and it will be interesting to find out if and why he attempted to poach a teammate's girl.
May 1, 2023
After receiving an inheritance from her mentor, Rebecca ‘Becca’ Blaine wants to reopen her mother’s death that was quickly ruled suicide. It means going near the viper’s nest of her step relations and seeing Det Dante ‘Rio’ Addario again. Becca and Rio break up a dozen years ago left two broken hearts and two happy hearts behind.
For Becca it would definitely be worth it. Surely Rio couldn’t still affect her and she could avoid her half siblings and wicked stepmother. Rio is still simmering over what he saw was Becca’s betrayal but as he begins to dig, Rio begins to wonder. When Becca survives a couple of murder attempts and more info comes to light, Rio moves onto surety of Becca’s claims.
Rating: 4.5stars
For Becca it would definitely be worth it. Surely Rio couldn’t still affect her and she could avoid her half siblings and wicked stepmother. Rio is still simmering over what he saw was Becca’s betrayal but as he begins to dig, Rio begins to wonder. When Becca survives a couple of murder attempts and more info comes to light, Rio moves onto surety of Becca’s claims.
Rating: 4.5stars
January 31, 2019
Another great SEAL story with a whodunit
I have to confess I am a Trish McCallan fan having loved her “Forged In” full length novel quadrilogy (or tetralogy).
This novella was great, utilising some of the wonderful side characters we had met before. The drama & mystery, tender loving as well a steamy scenes, a teasing who dunnit with well fleshed out ( pardon the double entendre for the hunky SEALS) characters. A novel within a novella, I loved it and recommend you give it a go for enjoyable, well-crafted easy reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have to confess I am a Trish McCallan fan having loved her “Forged In” full length novel quadrilogy (or tetralogy).
This novella was great, utilising some of the wonderful side characters we had met before. The drama & mystery, tender loving as well a steamy scenes, a teasing who dunnit with well fleshed out ( pardon the double entendre for the hunky SEALS) characters. A novel within a novella, I loved it and recommend you give it a go for enjoyable, well-crafted easy reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
maybe
June 20, 2019Previous book reviews:
✦ Forged in Smoke (Red-Hot SEALs, #3) ~ ★★★ (19/06/2019)
✦ Bound By Temptation (Red-Hot SEALS, #2.6) ~ ★★★★ (27/05/2017)
✦ Bound by Seduction (Red-Hot SEALs, #2.5) ~ ★★★★ (27/12/2016)
✦ Forged In Ash (Red-Hot SEALs #2) ~ ★★★★ (23/05/2016)
✦ Forged in Fire (Red-Hot SEALs #1) ~ ★★★ (31/03/2016)
✦ Forged in Smoke (Red-Hot SEALs, #3) ~ ★★★ (19/06/2019)
✦ Bound By Temptation (Red-Hot SEALS, #2.6) ~ ★★★★ (27/05/2017)
✦ Bound by Seduction (Red-Hot SEALs, #2.5) ~ ★★★★ (27/12/2016)
✦ Forged In Ash (Red-Hot SEALs #2) ~ ★★★★ (23/05/2016)
✦ Forged in Fire (Red-Hot SEALs #1) ~ ★★★ (31/03/2016)
May 13, 2021
Action packed.
Becca has become a self sufficient professional in the twelve years since she last saw Rio. In the past he broke her trust by believing her step brother about supposed indiscretions and manipulative behaviour.
New information comes forth about Becca’s mothers death, she returns to San Diego to have the police look into her case. Rio is the detective assigned and continues to misjudge her. Until hours after her visit her life is threatened.
Rio spends a lot of time having to readjust his thinking, does he apologise enough for his transgressions.....not really. But he does protect her fiercely, which is needed as someone seems intent to quiet her forever.
Becca has become a self sufficient professional in the twelve years since she last saw Rio. In the past he broke her trust by believing her step brother about supposed indiscretions and manipulative behaviour.
New information comes forth about Becca’s mothers death, she returns to San Diego to have the police look into her case. Rio is the detective assigned and continues to misjudge her. Until hours after her visit her life is threatened.
Rio spends a lot of time having to readjust his thinking, does he apologise enough for his transgressions.....not really. But he does protect her fiercely, which is needed as someone seems intent to quiet her forever.
February 25, 2022
Don't stir the pot or you may get more than you bargained for. Rebecca Blaine has certainly done that by requesting that her mother's death be re-examined. Dante Addario walked away from Becca and her betrayal years ago. Now he's been assigned to the case. The more he looks, the more things don't add up and the more he knows that he never really stopped loving her. Becca needs justice for her mother and truthfully for the love she has for Dante. Now she's pretty much stuck with him and/or his former teammates because somebody wants her dead. The truth comes out on several fronts and this man she never stopped loving may finally be hers.
December 6, 2018
Love this book. At first I was wondering why it started how it did, but once I got past the first couple a chapters I was hooked.
Eden is trying to reopen her mother's suicide from 12 years prior as new evidences comes to light. The person she has to see regarding it, is Rio her ex-boyfriend who thought she was emotional unbalance, crazy 12 years ago. Today she shows a composed women who has things under control.
And from there it doesn't stop. I couldn't figure out who did it until almost the end of the book.
Great to see other characters from the Bound by Series.
Eden is trying to reopen her mother's suicide from 12 years prior as new evidences comes to light. The person she has to see regarding it, is Rio her ex-boyfriend who thought she was emotional unbalance, crazy 12 years ago. Today she shows a composed women who has things under control.
And from there it doesn't stop. I couldn't figure out who did it until almost the end of the book.
Great to see other characters from the Bound by Series.
April 28, 2018
Don't ever give up
You will find a. Mystery that ihas been considered a suicide a suicide when it is in fact a murder. The daughter has to fotos man who doesn't trust her due to micromanage knew her before watch them solve this age old mystery and find love agaun
You will need An into an age old murder that Daughter is trying to have trips ed as it was considered a suicide. The person she has to go to for
You will find a. Mystery that ihas been considered a suicide a suicide when it is in fact a murder. The daughter has to fotos man who doesn't trust her due to micromanage knew her before watch them solve this age old mystery and find love agaun
You will need An into an age old murder that Daughter is trying to have trips ed as it was considered a suicide. The person she has to go to for
January 5, 2019
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! It's incredible! Great plot, wonderful flow and pace and I was left hanging on each word til the very end! This is a must read for anyone who loves a good read, with characters that move the story up to the very end with you holding your breath waiting for what will happen next. I hope to see more from this writer!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2022
Best one yet
Secrets will come out and that certainly is the case with Rio and Becca. Tag and some of the seals are back and they quickly join Becca’s fan club. The case is a cold case, but it quickly gets hot with people trying to kill Becca. The jumping of time works because Rio and Becca dated years ago and it helps build the background of their relationship, end of the relationship and the cold case facts. A great and quick read!
Secrets will come out and that certainly is the case with Rio and Becca. Tag and some of the seals are back and they quickly join Becca’s fan club. The case is a cold case, but it quickly gets hot with people trying to kill Becca. The jumping of time works because Rio and Becca dated years ago and it helps build the background of their relationship, end of the relationship and the cold case facts. A great and quick read!
April 2, 2018
Trish McCallan is one of my favorite authors. I've read everything she has written and I have missed her stories. I am so happy she is back! I thought Bound by Deception was a good novella. I loved the characters and wish it was a full length story so I could read and dig in a bit more! I can't wait for her next book and look forward to more.
May 30, 2018
A reasonable read
This is an okay novella it's a basic love story about Rebecca and Rio who have been estranged for a decade after having a love affair when they were young and parted on bad terms. There is added interest as she wished to prove her mother was murdered with Rio's help. It's a fairly good story with added interest but there is nothing overly amazing about it.
This is an okay novella it's a basic love story about Rebecca and Rio who have been estranged for a decade after having a love affair when they were young and parted on bad terms. There is added interest as she wished to prove her mother was murdered with Rio's help. It's a fairly good story with added interest but there is nothing overly amazing about it.
November 12, 2018
Don’t like the ending
I enjoyed the story a lot. The reason for my rating deals with the ending. There is a lot of pain and history that happened between the two MCs. I believe they would have worked it out eventually but not that quickly. Hell just the revelations from her mother’s death would have her feelings all over the place. I just can’t believe it.
I enjoyed the story a lot. The reason for my rating deals with the ending. There is a lot of pain and history that happened between the two MCs. I believe they would have worked it out eventually but not that quickly. Hell just the revelations from her mother’s death would have her feelings all over the place. I just can’t believe it.
January 13, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author and it's definitely not the last.
I loved this fastpaced actionpacked pageturner. The storyline is great and the characters wonderful. I love the chemistry between Rio and Becca.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this fastpaced actionpacked pageturner. The storyline is great and the characters wonderful. I love the chemistry between Rio and Becca.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2019
So, this is the first book in this series I have read. But, now I definitely want to read more! Rio and Becca had a tumultuous road, and their ending seemed rushed, but the rest of the story was awesome! Rio probably could've groveled more, but I'm glad they are trying to work through things. I'm curious where things lead after the story ends...
January 30, 2019
With a history twisting with deceit, the foundation of this novel us deeply moving. An intriguing romance where I found myself flicking backward and forward between the character I was routing for. The characters are wonderfully written to have a realistic and believable edge.
Trish McCallen is certainly an author I am quickly becoming addicted to.
Trish McCallen is certainly an author I am quickly becoming addicted to.
February 2, 2019
He betrayed her once and she left him and he regretted it all. Now she was back with a killer on her trail and she goes to him for help. Will he help her? Will she stay strong and not fall back into his arms? She wants to get justice and she will get it. See if she will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2019
To be bound in love
I enjoyed the entire series. It was simple and sweet with just enough heat and action. I also enjoyed the connection to characters in other series. I always wonder about side characters and love when authors expand on their stories. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the entire series. It was simple and sweet with just enough heat and action. I also enjoyed the connection to characters in other series. I always wonder about side characters and love when authors expand on their stories. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 15, 2021
Lovely book
As always, this author writes a great book. Tightly plotted and strong characterizations. I do wish there had been a stronger resolution to the hero’s actions in the past. I’m not sure a simple apology was enough, and honestly Becca seemed to have forgiven him before that anyway. But still overall a great book. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
As always, this author writes a great book. Tightly plotted and strong characterizations. I do wish there had been a stronger resolution to the hero’s actions in the past. I’m not sure a simple apology was enough, and honestly Becca seemed to have forgiven him before that anyway. But still overall a great book. Two enthusiastic thumbs up!
August 11, 2023
Loyalty Under Fire
Rio and Becca were once pretty tight. But lies were told and he left her. She went away and grew into the woman she was meant to be. Her mothers death had left many scars inside her. But when she gets a diary that once was her mother's truths started to comes out. This was a fast read and it was predictable in the outcome.
Rio and Becca were once pretty tight. But lies were told and he left her. She went away and grew into the woman she was meant to be. Her mothers death had left many scars inside her. But when she gets a diary that once was her mother's truths started to comes out. This was a fast read and it was predictable in the outcome.
June 11, 2018
Ex-Navy Seals!!
It's good to see Rio loosen up. Lol! It took a while but Becca finally warmed his cold heart. This one was packed full of a lot of unknowns. It kept me guessing on what was really going on and I never could figure it out until I read it myself.
It's good to see Rio loosen up. Lol! It took a while but Becca finally warmed his cold heart. This one was packed full of a lot of unknowns. It kept me guessing on what was really going on and I never could figure it out until I read it myself.
September 2, 2018
Awesome!!!!
Always love it when something tears the lovers apart and then they get back together with a bang. Absolutely love the 2 books I have already read in this series, looking forward to next one. This author is fascinating. Love her. Recommend all she writes.
Always love it when something tears the lovers apart and then they get back together with a bang. Absolutely love the 2 books I have already read in this series, looking forward to next one. This author is fascinating. Love her. Recommend all she writes.
September 20, 2018
Trish! Come on......
Trish you are killing me. I need more at the end. I know that they will appear or be mentioned in another book, but I need closer! Give me more details did they move? How did they handle stuff? How is Emma?
Trish you are killing me. I need more at the end. I know that they will appear or be mentioned in another book, but I need closer! Give me more details did they move? How did they handle stuff? How is Emma?
November 8, 2018
This story had lots of action and some fantastic characters. Becca was wonderful as was Rio. Secondary characters were also likeable and I hope to read more about them. When Becca wants her mother suicide reopened the action starts and continues up to the end. Loved it!!
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