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SWAT Generation 2.0 #9
Say It Ain't So
He should’ve never left his house. He should’ve stayed at home. He has a legitimate excuse—he’s running a fever and he’s fairly sure he’s developing pneumonia. He should have called in sick…but he doesn’t.
He goes to work, because his team is relying on him.
First, he has to sign about eight thousand calendars—all from women who purchased said calendars to benefit the Fallen Officer fundraiser. And when he’s done with that, he has to endure a television interview along with the rest of the SWAT team seeing as they made national news with their ‘Hot SWAT’ calendar that’s sold a million copies to women all over the world.
Needless to say, when Samuel Adams walks into the pharmacy hours later, he only has one thing on his mind. Ibuprofen.
Sadly, he never gets to the Ibuprofen. Mostly because before he gets there, he finds a junkie waving a gun around threatening to kill anybody that moves.
He’s running a fever. That has to be the reason that the girl in the corner begins cursing up a storm and drawing the junkie’s attention. Has to be.
He goes to work, because his team is relying on him.
First, he has to sign about eight thousand calendars—all from women who purchased said calendars to benefit the Fallen Officer fundraiser. And when he’s done with that, he has to endure a television interview along with the rest of the SWAT team seeing as they made national news with their ‘Hot SWAT’ calendar that’s sold a million copies to women all over the world.
Needless to say, when Samuel Adams walks into the pharmacy hours later, he only has one thing on his mind. Ibuprofen.
Sadly, he never gets to the Ibuprofen. Mostly because before he gets there, he finds a junkie waving a gun around threatening to kill anybody that moves.
He’s running a fever. That has to be the reason that the girl in the corner begins cursing up a storm and drawing the junkie’s attention. Has to be.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
312 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
163 books7,275 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
August 30, 2020
Samuel Adams... his name is so cool. It took me a while to truly understand that he was a member of the Spurlock family, which was also cool. Anyway, let's talk about this story... Sammy was sick. So sick that there was no doubt he had the flu. But he had to work, right? When he finally got the chance to get some medicine, he became a victim/hero of an armed robbery, which was when he met the beautiful heroine of the story, Hastings. This was one of the most unique meet-cutes I've ever read!
There was so much to love about this story!
✔ the author created unique people to learn about, especially with the way she characterized Hastings. She had Tourette's, she was an MC Romance author, and she was amazing! I loved how once she got past her initial awkwardness and miscommunication with Sammy, she opened herself right up for some proper loving.
✔ Sammy was an insanely sweet and charming and yet strangely alpha hero. He respected Hastings and himself and he seemed to be all in right from the jump. I loved his relationship with his friends and family and how willing he was to be vulnerable to the woman he was starting to deeply care for.
✔ the banter, the fun, the sexy times, the intimacy, the bonds, the little details that the author included all made this an unputdownable read!
✔ even my heart breaking made me happy because one thing you can always rely on from LLV is a story full of heart.
The suspense element of this story kind of wrapped up a dangling subplot that many characters had to deal with. It was horrific and it had deadly consequences and my heart broke. I'm not okay and I don't know what to do about it. My heart feels like it was ripped out, which made me only enjoy this story more because it hit me so deep in my feelings. SAY IT AIN'T SO is a story I have no problem recommending!
There was so much to love about this story!
✔ the author created unique people to learn about, especially with the way she characterized Hastings. She had Tourette's, she was an MC Romance author, and she was amazing! I loved how once she got past her initial awkwardness and miscommunication with Sammy, she opened herself right up for some proper loving.
✔ Sammy was an insanely sweet and charming and yet strangely alpha hero. He respected Hastings and himself and he seemed to be all in right from the jump. I loved his relationship with his friends and family and how willing he was to be vulnerable to the woman he was starting to deeply care for.
✔ the banter, the fun, the sexy times, the intimacy, the bonds, the little details that the author included all made this an unputdownable read!
✔ even my heart breaking made me happy because one thing you can always rely on from LLV is a story full of heart.
The suspense element of this story kind of wrapped up a dangling subplot that many characters had to deal with. It was horrific and it had deadly consequences and my heart broke. I'm not okay and I don't know what to do about it. My heart feels like it was ripped out, which made me only enjoy this story more because it hit me so deep in my feelings. SAY IT AIN'T SO is a story I have no problem recommending!
September 9, 2020
Hastings was such a great heroine. She was sweet and caring but also dorky and awkward at times and that totally humanized her. Samuel saved her life and became her perfect match. He was very typical of LLV men- mature, caring, sexy, and did I mention sexy? His acceptance and love wrapped her up and made her happy.
The plot was really good. I like that LLV isn’t afraid to make us hurt right along with her characters. We have some crossover from events in other books but not anything that would make it so you can’t read this as a stand-alone.
All in all a wonderful addition to the series.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot was really good. I like that LLV isn’t afraid to make us hurt right along with her characters. We have some crossover from events in other books but not anything that would make it so you can’t read this as a stand-alone.
All in all a wonderful addition to the series.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
September 8, 2020
I love how Vale brings readers unique characters and helps spread understanding and acceptance of various conditions. In Say It Ain't So, the heroine has Tourette's syndrome. I have taught students with Tourettes before and felt that Vale's portrayal was accurate.
Hastings and Sam have a meet cute during a robbery while Sam is delirious from a fever. Their relationship is hot quick and then the misunderstandings begin. Their lack of clear communication was frustrating to say the least. However, once they get past that, the story takes a totally different turn that shocked the hell out of me!
I won't give any spoilers, but the story gets intense. I was furiously flipping pages near the end because I was sure there would be some twist and that it wouldn't be real. Its that intense!
Say It Ain't So brings light to a misunderstood syndrome as well as bringing high suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: no
Trope: accidental pregnancy, miscommunication
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Until Talon by Aurora Rose Reynolds, Baby by Janie Crouch, Unforgiven by Jay Crownover...then you will probably like Say It Ain't So!
Say It Ain't So
See full review on The Book Disciple
September 9, 2020
I truly liked this book until around maybe 80%. I felt it was a solid 3 or 4 stars. Then it all changed. I finished with the mindset of wtf. I didn’t get no happy feeling or accomplishment when I was done. In some twisted way I felt like Pateman won in the end. Sure he went to jail and might even get parole in 20 years and he may or may not die there. However, Hastings whole family dies! If they left it with just the dad and sister dying in the car crash it would have been fine. Understandable since the truck landed directly on them. However, Lani kills the mom too with a heart attack in one sentence. TF. Pateman’s master plan worked. If he can’t have the mom nobody will and whoever she loves dies. It was so unnecessary. Plus the ending was so rushed, you don’t even have time to grieve the lost. It was death then BOOM happy ending. Give us some time to process and feel what hardship Hastings is going through and the difficult past months without her whole family. It was like Ms. Lani Lynn Vale was tired of writing so she said Done. The End. Happy ending. Sad because the beginning and middle parts were good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
Hero gave me whiplash at his emotions and actions toward the heroine in the beginning and I didn't find his apology nearly sufficient enough. I also feel that the heroine Tourette's was forgotten about as it didn't happen or affect her for the later 3/4s of the book.
September 14, 2020
Sammy and Hastings are good characters and the dialogue between them is written to make you chuckle. They start off hot & heavy and then fall into the typical 'assumption/lack of communication/stubborn' pattern to cause strife . Plus there's the typical bad guy picking on the h or her family. But what's really chapping my hide lately is the formulaic accidental pregnancy in this author's books. I've sadly pre-ordered Vale's books to kingdom come and skip reading some just because I get tired of it and then BAM, the next book I decide to read the h magically ends up pregnant even though there was no mention of the condom breaking and they only had sex once. Seriously?!?! Booooooring! I'm not gonna waste my time citing facts ad nauseam, but the last time I checked 47.6% of women in America from age 15 to 44 never had children. Yes the books are fiction, but to have these whoopsies happening all the time when nearly 50% of your reader base does not have any crotch fruit is just a big turn off to a lot of us. For the love of God, stick a unicorn or a leprechaun in the next five books or something instead to give us a break!!
October 3, 2023
Another Lani Lynn treasure of a story that made you laugh and toward the end ripped your heart out.
This story starts out with a bang and with characters that are a bit crazy in their own right (good & fun crazy) and we loved how these characters met even if it was not the best circumstances to meet your neighbor and future lover/women.
I loved all things, Hastings, as we thought she was a lot of fun and had a kick ass job and although she was a woman with Tourette's she handled it well and never let it get the best of her hopes and dreams. I loved her spirit and her vibrant personality, as well as her crazy family and Aurora her sister, was the bomb, and we loved that feisty mouthy sister of hers as well.
Sammy was a character that was a lot of fun, and he was a character that had big shoes to fill with having to live up to the reputation of his dad Miller as well as his Uncles Trance and Foster but, he had his cousins alongside him to help guide his way. We loved that although he had a serious job and one that always had you on guard he was the type of guy that also had the kind of personality to be fun and flirty and one, that did not have a problem expressing his emotions.
Our favorite quote from Sammy
“I’m not sure that I’ll ever get close to filling his shoes. In fact, he wears size fourteen, and I’m a size thirteen.”
We loved being on this crazy roller coaster of a ride with Hastings and Sammy as the story was a lot of fun which made us laugh out loud time and time again. The story was also one that tugged on one's heartstrings for all Hastings had to endure with everything else she was having to deal with and our heart went out to her.
I loved that this couple just clicked and although their romance felt like it went from 0-60 it worked for them, and they had great chemistry and similar personalities that made it easy for them to be together, and we loved that her Tourette's never seemed to be an issue for him, and he probably thought hell she would just fit in perfectly with him and his crazy-ass family.
Another fun read for us that we really enjoyed in this ongoing series.
This story starts out with a bang and with characters that are a bit crazy in their own right (good & fun crazy) and we loved how these characters met even if it was not the best circumstances to meet your neighbor and future lover/women.
I loved all things, Hastings, as we thought she was a lot of fun and had a kick ass job and although she was a woman with Tourette's she handled it well and never let it get the best of her hopes and dreams. I loved her spirit and her vibrant personality, as well as her crazy family and Aurora her sister, was the bomb, and we loved that feisty mouthy sister of hers as well.
Sammy was a character that was a lot of fun, and he was a character that had big shoes to fill with having to live up to the reputation of his dad Miller as well as his Uncles Trance and Foster but, he had his cousins alongside him to help guide his way. We loved that although he had a serious job and one that always had you on guard he was the type of guy that also had the kind of personality to be fun and flirty and one, that did not have a problem expressing his emotions.
Our favorite quote from Sammy
“I’m not sure that I’ll ever get close to filling his shoes. In fact, he wears size fourteen, and I’m a size thirteen.”
We loved being on this crazy roller coaster of a ride with Hastings and Sammy as the story was a lot of fun which made us laugh out loud time and time again. The story was also one that tugged on one's heartstrings for all Hastings had to endure with everything else she was having to deal with and our heart went out to her.
I loved that this couple just clicked and although their romance felt like it went from 0-60 it worked for them, and they had great chemistry and similar personalities that made it easy for them to be together, and we loved that her Tourette's never seemed to be an issue for him, and he probably thought hell she would just fit in perfectly with him and his crazy-ass family.
Another fun read for us that we really enjoyed in this ongoing series.
June 1, 2021
Say It Ain't So!!! Alas, the title should have told me how this would go
To be fair, this book started out amazing. I was really into it. I was really enjoying it. I loved how Sammy and Hastings met. I loved their chemistry. I loved how they got together. But I hated the stupid ghosting and misunderstanding that pulled them apart. And then they got back together...things were good. The book was back on track...
But then
There will be spoilers ahead
So yeah...I had issues that totally ruined the story for me. 🤷♀
To be fair, this book started out amazing. I was really into it. I was really enjoying it. I loved how Sammy and Hastings met. I loved their chemistry. I loved how they got together. But I hated the stupid ghosting and misunderstanding that pulled them apart. And then they got back together...things were good. The book was back on track...
But then
There will be spoilers ahead
So yeah...I had issues that totally ruined the story for me. 🤷♀
September 20, 2020
The beginning was great…although h's hiding from H got on my nerves. And then H's reaction to h was not Ok. Fortunately they got together. Then I thought the story will come to the end… however, tragedy happened. Felt so sad for h. That's why I could only give three stars.
August 29, 2020
Sammy and Hastings just broke my heart and put it all back together again.
Honesty I've never doubted Lani's story telling abilities because she had me hooked since way back when Boomtown first hit kindles. One thing she does do every now and then is throw a curve ball you won't see coming and she did that and then some with Sammy and Hastings and it just shows how phenomenal a writer she is. It was like a train wreck you can't look away from and I'm not over it.
Sammy had big shoes to fill, quite literally. His dad and uncles set the bar real high when it comes to alpha heroes BUT have no fear Sammy learned wise lessons and grew up real good to be a quirky mixture of all the men who played a part in helping to raise him. He's not perfect but he's damn fine and confident enough to acknowledge when he's wrong and that right there made him hell of a man.
Hastings has had her fair share of hardships through the years. Life hasn't always been kind to the girl who has Tourette's. She's not as trusting or easy to follow but that's just her guarding herself. Despite everything she gone through she's still got fire and sass by the boat load and I was here for it. I love me a strong woman who stands up for herself, even in the face of fear. Hastings is a firm favourite for me.
Sammy and Hastings had a very unexpected and unusual start to their journey and honestly the surprises just kept coming after that. Their journey was not easy by any means but it only served to make them stronger together eventually. I love how seamlessly their story flows despite the ups and downs and even more so I love how Lani connects all the characters together in a way that truly shows their connections and the chemistry between them. She's created this tight nit world of characters that are all linked in some way and it works. The history, the family and friends vibe. It never seizes to amaze me how she does is so flawlessly every damn time.
It's sweet and swoon worthy. It's hilariously dysfunctional and completely outrageous in parts. It's got a little action, a whole lot of suspense and it's heartbreaking in a way that physically hurts. It's gripping and raw and frustrating but it's also so relatable it makes it easy to imagine and understand where they were coming from. Everything about their journey had me completely consumed in them. I rooted for them the whole damn way and I was so sad when it was over. I wasn't ready for them to be finished.
Now give me Nathan and Reggies story. PLEASEEEEEEE!!!!!.
Honesty I've never doubted Lani's story telling abilities because she had me hooked since way back when Boomtown first hit kindles. One thing she does do every now and then is throw a curve ball you won't see coming and she did that and then some with Sammy and Hastings and it just shows how phenomenal a writer she is. It was like a train wreck you can't look away from and I'm not over it.
Sammy had big shoes to fill, quite literally. His dad and uncles set the bar real high when it comes to alpha heroes BUT have no fear Sammy learned wise lessons and grew up real good to be a quirky mixture of all the men who played a part in helping to raise him. He's not perfect but he's damn fine and confident enough to acknowledge when he's wrong and that right there made him hell of a man.
Hastings has had her fair share of hardships through the years. Life hasn't always been kind to the girl who has Tourette's. She's not as trusting or easy to follow but that's just her guarding herself. Despite everything she gone through she's still got fire and sass by the boat load and I was here for it. I love me a strong woman who stands up for herself, even in the face of fear. Hastings is a firm favourite for me.
Sammy and Hastings had a very unexpected and unusual start to their journey and honestly the surprises just kept coming after that. Their journey was not easy by any means but it only served to make them stronger together eventually. I love how seamlessly their story flows despite the ups and downs and even more so I love how Lani connects all the characters together in a way that truly shows their connections and the chemistry between them. She's created this tight nit world of characters that are all linked in some way and it works. The history, the family and friends vibe. It never seizes to amaze me how she does is so flawlessly every damn time.
It's sweet and swoon worthy. It's hilariously dysfunctional and completely outrageous in parts. It's got a little action, a whole lot of suspense and it's heartbreaking in a way that physically hurts. It's gripping and raw and frustrating but it's also so relatable it makes it easy to imagine and understand where they were coming from. Everything about their journey had me completely consumed in them. I rooted for them the whole damn way and I was so sad when it was over. I wasn't ready for them to be finished.
Now give me Nathan and Reggies story. PLEASEEEEEEE!!!!!.
September 9, 2020
Amazon US / Amazon Intl. / Apple / Nook / Kobo
In one of the most unusual meet cutes of all time, Sammy and Hastings don't exactly hit it off. Why? Well...they're in a pharmacy that's in the process of being robbed for one. For two, Hastings' Tourette's isn't exactly helping them keep off the robber's radar. And three, Sammy's sick as a dog with the flu and isn't exactly thinking clearly. How they ever came together though isn't a mystery, as she and he live in the same building, and they have insane chemistry. Now, they just have to keep themselves on the same page. Communicate properly. Oh, and tell each other how they feel. Easier said than done...
I heart this story big time. Hastings and Sammy are just so cute together, even when I wanted to smack them for their less than stellar communciation skills, I still loved them together. He's so accepting and non-judgemental of her condition. She's such a sweetheart, been through so much and yet keeps going with pluck and style. Yeah, she's amazing, quite honestly, the best part of Say It Ain't So. This whole series has been one amazing run filled with hot SWAT officers and the awesome women who bring them to their knees. Can't wait for more!
ARC via author for an honest review.
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September 7, 2020
This is the 9th book in this amazing series and is Samuel and Hasting’s story. Samuel is feeling pretty rough, when he goes into the pharmacy for some medication, and the last thing he expects to be held up in an armed robbery. With all the customers lying on the floor, this is how he meets Hasting’s as she suffers from Tourette's, and her cursing is distracting the junkie who is waving a gun around. This is a beautifully written story which is filled with heartbreak, twists, action, suspense, danger, witty banter, and is a thrilling fun and steamy read. I was totally captivated throughout this riveting and addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more form this author whose work I highly recommend for all.
September 8, 2020
Gemma’s Review
Lani Lyn Vale has once again released another great read with such an amazing couple that I could not get enough off. Hastings and Sammy were perfect for each other and despite their relationship happening fast it was obviously how right they were for each other. I really loved the appearances that the other characters from the previous books in the series made throughout the book.
I loved Hastings and the quarks that she had. I really loved how strong she was and didn't make it easy for Sammy when she wasn't sure if she could trust him.
Sammy, I absolutely loved the way that he cared for Hastings and the way he went for what he wanted. It was obvious from the moment he met Hastings that he had feelings for her.
I am really loving reading about the second generation of KPD Swat characters and enjoy reading about the family dynamics of the characters. This is a book i definitely recommend
Jessica’s Review
Man this author scared me with this book. Hasting and Sammy were awesome. I knew I was going to love Hasting and her quarks and this book didn’t disappoint. He had me laughing a lot. Sammy was our typical alpha yummyness (is that even a word?). Their romance was fast and strong and I loved it. They had their trials in the start but they worked through them fast. All the secondary characters was amazing. Some we have already gotten their books and some we haven’t yet but I can’t wait til we do.
Oh man. This book really broke me at one point. I was scared to keep reading but had faith in LLV and while she broke my heart a little, on a lot, she fixed it in the end. I’ve read every single book by this author and they all have one thing. Heart. With this book and Hastings being an author, I feel like we get a look into some things that maybe LLV goes though and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book, and every book there after. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Lani Lyn Vale has once again released another great read with such an amazing couple that I could not get enough off. Hastings and Sammy were perfect for each other and despite their relationship happening fast it was obviously how right they were for each other. I really loved the appearances that the other characters from the previous books in the series made throughout the book.
I loved Hastings and the quarks that she had. I really loved how strong she was and didn't make it easy for Sammy when she wasn't sure if she could trust him.
Sammy, I absolutely loved the way that he cared for Hastings and the way he went for what he wanted. It was obvious from the moment he met Hastings that he had feelings for her.
I am really loving reading about the second generation of KPD Swat characters and enjoy reading about the family dynamics of the characters. This is a book i definitely recommend
Jessica’s Review
Man this author scared me with this book. Hasting and Sammy were awesome. I knew I was going to love Hasting and her quarks and this book didn’t disappoint. He had me laughing a lot. Sammy was our typical alpha yummyness (is that even a word?). Their romance was fast and strong and I loved it. They had their trials in the start but they worked through them fast. All the secondary characters was amazing. Some we have already gotten their books and some we haven’t yet but I can’t wait til we do.
Oh man. This book really broke me at one point. I was scared to keep reading but had faith in LLV and while she broke my heart a little, on a lot, she fixed it in the end. I’ve read every single book by this author and they all have one thing. Heart. With this book and Hastings being an author, I feel like we get a look into some things that maybe LLV goes though and I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book, and every book there after. 5 stars #2OCCJD
September 3, 2020
What a beautiful story, review on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
September 5, 2020
Lani Lynn Vale dares to be original. I love that about her. Say It Ain't So is the perfect reason why. Sam and Hastings are a surprising blend of unpredictable chaos and heartwarming emotion. Hastings is in a constant battle with circumstances beyond her control. Sam lives his life always in control. Until one day, fate has other plans. Vale proves that less than perfect can fit just right.
September 12, 2020
2.5 stars... not really impressed with Samuel Adams and the tragedy at the end of the book breaks my heart 💔
September 24, 2020
LLV's books are a comfort zone ....as usual the book was very good but it teared me up in the last....
September 8, 2020
I really liked this one! Part of what I loved is that the female main character was a romance author, I loved all her research, both Googling, visiting places like Alaska, and then getting help from her new friend, Sammy. Hastings is our main character’s name, and it was a little fun when Sammy gave her the nickname of Hasty, because it was the same name as a character in another book I read recently.
Now Hastings has Tourette Syndrome, a mild form of it, but it was definitely an interesting way to learn more about something that really most people only know a few things about. It seemed like she had pretty much done so many things with her life, gone to school to become a nurse, and there were other things I forget now, but she also was a successful romance author, and she was kind of the landlord for the “Cop Row” of townhomes that so many of the characters in other books in this series live in.
Another thing I often like about this author’s books is that you can have characters that have good home lives and still get the drama in the story. As someone who grew up with a pretty good life, it is nice to sometimes see my own type of family in stories. The drama for these characters really came from the people around them, and so that was definitely something that kept me from being too irritated with anything like I often am in romance stories. Not that Sammy and Hastings didn’t occasionally get a little stubborn, but they were able to figure things out much quicker than just putting things off for the sake of drama.
The end of the book is very sad, even if there does turn out to be an HEA when it is all said and done. Another great book from Lani Lynn Vale. It actually even inspired me to really get back to writing my own romance books and to just do it and see how it goes. There were some parts where Hastings talked about not having a real editor before she published and now I know I have to think of those things too!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
Now Hastings has Tourette Syndrome, a mild form of it, but it was definitely an interesting way to learn more about something that really most people only know a few things about. It seemed like she had pretty much done so many things with her life, gone to school to become a nurse, and there were other things I forget now, but she also was a successful romance author, and she was kind of the landlord for the “Cop Row” of townhomes that so many of the characters in other books in this series live in.
Another thing I often like about this author’s books is that you can have characters that have good home lives and still get the drama in the story. As someone who grew up with a pretty good life, it is nice to sometimes see my own type of family in stories. The drama for these characters really came from the people around them, and so that was definitely something that kept me from being too irritated with anything like I often am in romance stories. Not that Sammy and Hastings didn’t occasionally get a little stubborn, but they were able to figure things out much quicker than just putting things off for the sake of drama.
The end of the book is very sad, even if there does turn out to be an HEA when it is all said and done. Another great book from Lani Lynn Vale. It actually even inspired me to really get back to writing my own romance books and to just do it and see how it goes. There were some parts where Hastings talked about not having a real editor before she published and now I know I have to think of those things too!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
September 9, 2020
I gave it two stars just because I love getting to see the parents of these kids so that's always a plus for me. The book started out great then began to heat up with man we all love to hate from LLV's other books but the ending just ticked me off. Real life is rough enough and that is why a lot of readers escape for a few hours to our happy place where the boy gets the girl and they ALL live happily ever after. Killing off people for shock value just isn't right in my book (no pun intended). What did it do other than keep her Mom, Dad and sister from ever meeting Hastings daughter. As a grandmother of three I almost stopped reading but like another reader said it was like okay their dead lets move on to the happy part again. That part was so rushed and Hastings didn't get to grieve her loss of three family members before she was having her baby and it DID NOT add anything to the story for them to die. Then BAM the book was over. I have never rated a book from LLV less than 5 stars but I really dislike this book. Also we have what ...three more in this series but she is already coming out with another series and has the first book on pre-order. Maybe cranking out a book a month isn't the right thing to do. I think she needs to back off a little and write books that are better than this one. I hate to say it but they are beginning to all be the same...only the names have changed. I will finish this series because I have already bought the books but I'm not sure I'm going to purchase the next series. $4.99 is a lot when here are a dozen books in the series and on my device there was only about 170 pages so it gets expensive when the books are beginning to just sound the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2020
Usually there is an aspect or two to these books that make them over the top, but that is the fun of reading them. This one had it in spades, although I really, really could have done without the drama/trauma at the end.
I really liked Hasting, liked that Sammy saw her as the gem she was, not the weirdo that most people see her as. Sure things were a bit rocky at the start for them due to each's uncertainty of where things stood. Hastings trip to Alaska really gave time for both of them to realize some things, Hasting a bit more, although I liked what she was realizing.
I didn't care for the stuff with Patman, hated it even more when you realized how long this crap had been going on and how evil the man was. In the end he got his (although it wasn't enough for the hurt he did to Hastings) and our couple got to live a bright life.
I really liked Hasting, liked that Sammy saw her as the gem she was, not the weirdo that most people see her as. Sure things were a bit rocky at the start for them due to each's uncertainty of where things stood. Hastings trip to Alaska really gave time for both of them to realize some things, Hasting a bit more, although I liked what she was realizing.
I didn't care for the stuff with Patman, hated it even more when you realized how long this crap had been going on and how evil the man was. In the end he got his (although it wasn't enough for the hurt he did to Hastings) and our couple got to live a bright life.
September 11, 2020
They are all the same! 😪😪😪😪. At first I liked her books, but now it feels like she doesn't have time to write a book properly or write a good story, one that you can't stop reading. I couldn't even read this book complety, I skipped some pages, because (once again) THEY ARE ALL THE SAME!!! I think I'm going to wait for the books that are left in this serie and thats it, I'm calling it quits with this author, I don't think I can read another book from her.
And that final??? Really?? She killed all her family in one chapter, like BOOM, they are dead and we don't talk about them anymore #deepsigh #sorrynotsorry #disapointed
And that final??? Really?? She killed all her family in one chapter, like BOOM, they are dead and we don't talk about them anymore #deepsigh #sorrynotsorry #disapointed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2020
This was a GREAT installment to the SWAT Generation 2.0 series!
It made me swoon hard, made me soak my pillowcase with ‘that’s-not-fair’ tears, made me wanna rage against the machine (that is an a**hole scorned ex) & made me giggle till my soul was content.
Gods, I loved Hastings & Sammy together. Everything about them warmed my heart & made me flip the pages like mad!
*****SLIGHTLY SPOILER-ISH*****
Hastings… It was IMPOSSIBLE to not like Sammy’s Hasty Cake. Her author job & how she ‘tested’ scenes out with Sammy, her condition & how she coped with it, her friendship with Suzanne, the way she thought the bad guy should be killed… She was a breath of fresh air & such a genuine person. I LOVED her to pieces. My heart went out to her a million times over when she received that earth-shattering news towards the end of the book. So happy she had Sammy & his family to help her through that tough time but man… that news hurt. Real. Bad.
Sammy… He was a complete & utter sweetheart, just like his dad, Miller. (My favorite OG SWAT guy.) His reaction to pain medication & the secrets it revealed, the way he responded to Hastings’ smackdown, his proposal & the tiny garment that accompanied it… OMG this man was a total treasure. The only thing I would change about him… He should’ve tracked her down when she went to Alaska! Would’ve been a #swooncity moment. (Luckily, he’s got those dimples.)
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series, Officially Over It, featuring Nathan & Reggie. These SWAT kids are following in their fathers’ footsteps just fine… :)
Side Note: REALLY wish we would’ve gotten the tubing scene!
It made me swoon hard, made me soak my pillowcase with ‘that’s-not-fair’ tears, made me wanna rage against the machine (that is an a**hole scorned ex) & made me giggle till my soul was content.
Gods, I loved Hastings & Sammy together. Everything about them warmed my heart & made me flip the pages like mad!
*****SLIGHTLY SPOILER-ISH*****
Hastings… It was IMPOSSIBLE to not like Sammy’s Hasty Cake. Her author job & how she ‘tested’ scenes out with Sammy, her condition & how she coped with it, her friendship with Suzanne, the way she thought the bad guy should be killed… She was a breath of fresh air & such a genuine person. I LOVED her to pieces. My heart went out to her a million times over when she received that earth-shattering news towards the end of the book. So happy she had Sammy & his family to help her through that tough time but man… that news hurt. Real. Bad.
Sammy… He was a complete & utter sweetheart, just like his dad, Miller. (My favorite OG SWAT guy.) His reaction to pain medication & the secrets it revealed, the way he responded to Hastings’ smackdown, his proposal & the tiny garment that accompanied it… OMG this man was a total treasure. The only thing I would change about him… He should’ve tracked her down when she went to Alaska! Would’ve been a #swooncity moment. (Luckily, he’s got those dimples.)
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series, Officially Over It, featuring Nathan & Reggie. These SWAT kids are following in their fathers’ footsteps just fine… :)
Side Note: REALLY wish we would’ve gotten the tubing scene!
September 8, 2020
I feel like I finished that one too quickly....yet again😳
Wow, Say It Ain’t So is the next book in the second generation SWAT books and this one has it all, drama, romance, funny moments and also tearful ones❣️
This book is about Sammy Spurlock and Hastings Hughes - she has Tourettes but also helps manage “cop row”😁 She meets Sammy at a Walgreen’s on a day when someone decides to rob the place.....and wins Sammy’s interest😍Is it bad to wish it was October already, so I could have my hands on the next one?🤷♀️
Wow, Say It Ain’t So is the next book in the second generation SWAT books and this one has it all, drama, romance, funny moments and also tearful ones❣️
This book is about Sammy Spurlock and Hastings Hughes - she has Tourettes but also helps manage “cop row”😁 She meets Sammy at a Walgreen’s on a day when someone decides to rob the place.....and wins Sammy’s interest😍Is it bad to wish it was October already, so I could have my hands on the next one?🤷♀️
September 7, 2020
5 pew-pew-pew stars! Loved Sammy and Hastings' story!
"I liked that she was looking at me like I was a piece of chocolate cake she wanted to devour."
Samuel Adams first sees Hastings Hughes in the middle of a robbery in Walgreens, and she nearly gets them all killed with her Tourette's condition. The next time he sees her, she's nurses him through a fever. There's no denying the attraction between them but Hastings is far from hasty - she's reticent and unsure. After giving in to their desires, Hastings disappears on her travels, and Sammy has pretty much given up on anything blossoming between them. However, life has a way of springing surprises on them.
"I'm a f*ckin' loser for you already. So when I say you need to be gentle with me. I mean it. I'm halfway gone."
Sammy and Hastings were adorable together. I loved his protectiveness and the fact that he loved her for who she was. She was quirky and direct and didn't shy away from her Tourette's. I loved that he liked all these things about her, as well as the fact that he found her beautiful in every way. This story was laugh-out-loud, really sexy and heartwarming, as well as unexpected and heartbreaking. Loved it!
"I liked that she was looking at me like I was a piece of chocolate cake she wanted to devour."
Samuel Adams first sees Hastings Hughes in the middle of a robbery in Walgreens, and she nearly gets them all killed with her Tourette's condition. The next time he sees her, she's nurses him through a fever. There's no denying the attraction between them but Hastings is far from hasty - she's reticent and unsure. After giving in to their desires, Hastings disappears on her travels, and Sammy has pretty much given up on anything blossoming between them. However, life has a way of springing surprises on them.
"I'm a f*ckin' loser for you already. So when I say you need to be gentle with me. I mean it. I'm halfway gone."
Sammy and Hastings were adorable together. I loved his protectiveness and the fact that he loved her for who she was. She was quirky and direct and didn't shy away from her Tourette's. I loved that he liked all these things about her, as well as the fact that he found her beautiful in every way. This story was laugh-out-loud, really sexy and heartwarming, as well as unexpected and heartbreaking. Loved it!
![Profile Image for Liz [reads books].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1668868475i%2F23423026._UY200_CR19%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 4, 2020
Lots of feelings about this book. I loved the "meet cute" and the insta-love. The first half of the book was paced nicely and I read it easily. Now I know the next probably 30% of the book (I guess) had to be there to set up the climax of the story. I put the book down several times and went to something else. I was satisfied with the end result though ultimately. Solid 4 stars
P.S. Loved the one chapter that was in Suzanne's POV
P.S. Loved the one chapter that was in Suzanne's POV
September 2, 2020
4.5 Star Review Say It Ain’t So (Swat Next Generation 2.0 #9) by Lani Lynn Vale
This book had me invested from the first to the last chapter. This is Samuel (Sammy) Adams and Hasting’s story and what an emotional roller coaster of a read Say It Ain’t So was.
Sammy is always responsible and never wants to let anyone down. Even sick, he goes to work, determined to do his job. In this case it is signing calendars for the Fallen Officer fundraiser and doing an interview with his fellow SWAT members.
On his way home, he stops in at a pharmacy to get some medication to help him. However when he walks in, there is a gun wielding junkie threatening people. Hasting’s suffers from Tourette's and because of this often has uncontrollable outbursts. He thinks she is crazy yelling at the junkie, but for her she cannot help it.
Hastings hasn’t had an easy life which has made her suspicious of people and she has a hard time trusting. She is a strong woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes.
This story made me laugh, made me cry and I was really cheering for Sammy and Hasting’s to get their happily ever after. Theirs was a suspenseful, drama filled journey that ripped my heart out and had me reeling. It was raw, gritty and at times frustrating but above all it was entertaining.
This book had me invested from the first to the last chapter. This is Samuel (Sammy) Adams and Hasting’s story and what an emotional roller coaster of a read Say It Ain’t So was.
Sammy is always responsible and never wants to let anyone down. Even sick, he goes to work, determined to do his job. In this case it is signing calendars for the Fallen Officer fundraiser and doing an interview with his fellow SWAT members.
On his way home, he stops in at a pharmacy to get some medication to help him. However when he walks in, there is a gun wielding junkie threatening people. Hasting’s suffers from Tourette's and because of this often has uncontrollable outbursts. He thinks she is crazy yelling at the junkie, but for her she cannot help it.
Hastings hasn’t had an easy life which has made her suspicious of people and she has a hard time trusting. She is a strong woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes.
This story made me laugh, made me cry and I was really cheering for Sammy and Hasting’s to get their happily ever after. Theirs was a suspenseful, drama filled journey that ripped my heart out and had me reeling. It was raw, gritty and at times frustrating but above all it was entertaining.
November 29, 2020
I was looking forward to reading Hastings and Sammy’s book. I liked their story but at the same time, I felt a bit disappointed because the couples in this series have it fairly easy. I am missing the pre-relationship angst, I guess. Or maybe I’m just too picky.
September 8, 2020
When it comes to unique characters, Lani Lynn Vale has crafted a few that have me coming back for more as I appreciate seeing characters reminiscent of me. With her latest release she's given readers a heroine dealing with Tourette's, one teeming with self-doubts from past relationships that were affected by her disability, but it clearly hasn't kept her from going after her dreams. Pairing her up with the sexy SWAT team member next door makes for all sorts of fireworks, a few tears, and some suspense too as they grow closer together in a pulse-pounding and fast-paced story.
Hastings Hughes is a likable heroine who's always felt like a weirdo due to her Tourette's. She's always felt a bit lacking and it's clear at the start of the story that her self-esteem is bruised. She's always dealt with her Tourette's head-on though, keeping it fairly under control with the help of meds and being as stress-free as possible. When a robbery attempt at a drugstore brings her to the attention of a strong and sexy SWAT member, life for her will change irrevocably in a romance full of push and pull and unconditional acceptance. Hastings is a caring heroine who's been hurt by relationships in the past so she's trying to be more careful of her heart this time around which had the two of them dancing around each other early on which left me frustrated a time or two. Through it all I found Hastings easy to relate to as I too am a person who has a disability. She was shown in a straightforward manner, never sugarcoating things, and I appreciated the honesty in describing what she went through when her disability flared. Issues of intimacy were also on display in a way that was respectful and realistic and her reactions to these moments endeared Hastings to me all the more. She and Sammy were charming together, both accepting of the other wholeheartedly, and it was a sweet and steamy journey of insta-love that soon became something more.
Samuel Adams is a second generation member of SWAT, trying to make a name for himself separate from his heroic father. He's always been popular with the ladies as they easily land at his feet, but he's not at all arrogant about the thrall he has over women. He does take it for granted though, so when the unique woman he comes into contact with at a robbery attempt doesn't easily give in to him he's thrown for a loop. Hastings is like no other woman he's known before and he quickly becomes entranced by her, trying to be cool early on before laying all his cards on the table to finally win her over. Sammy's an immensely appealing hero with a heart of gold. He's protective with alpha instincts that sometimes rush to the surface, but isn't afraid to say what's in his heart with words and deeds that made me love him all the more. His thoughts on pregnant women were especially charming and made me wish that all men thought like him. Through everything lobbed at this couple he made me laugh, made me smile, as well as bringing a blush to my cheeks in a romance that brought out all his heroic tendencies.
From start to finish this story held me captive with its unique and appealing characters and its array of emotions that kept me constantly on edge. The issues between Sammy and Hastings early on were typical problems of not listening, and though annoying, thankfully didn't last long. Once these two committed they were all-in and it was them against the danger creeping ever closer to her that had me speeding through the pages to see what happens next. Overall there was a great balance between the action and romance, a delicious balance in and out of the bedroom that made me smile while I fanned myself. Though their romance seemed instantaneous I enjoyed the time they spent together building their foundation while dealing with life, enjoying their humorous and naughty banter. There was much to enjoy about this book, as is often the case with a book from Ms. Vale, but I did feel there was a bit of roughness regarding the narrative as certain actions were forgotten as well as an overly-fast wrap-up to the story's ending. Despite my small quibbles I found this another delightful addition to the series, loved the family feel these characters engendered in me, and was especially drawn to this entertaining couple whose journey to HEA put me through the emotional wringer...in a very good way! I look forward to seeing these characters again and am counting down the days until Ms. Vale introduces us to her next unforgettable couple.
Hastings Hughes is a likable heroine who's always felt like a weirdo due to her Tourette's. She's always felt a bit lacking and it's clear at the start of the story that her self-esteem is bruised. She's always dealt with her Tourette's head-on though, keeping it fairly under control with the help of meds and being as stress-free as possible. When a robbery attempt at a drugstore brings her to the attention of a strong and sexy SWAT member, life for her will change irrevocably in a romance full of push and pull and unconditional acceptance. Hastings is a caring heroine who's been hurt by relationships in the past so she's trying to be more careful of her heart this time around which had the two of them dancing around each other early on which left me frustrated a time or two. Through it all I found Hastings easy to relate to as I too am a person who has a disability. She was shown in a straightforward manner, never sugarcoating things, and I appreciated the honesty in describing what she went through when her disability flared. Issues of intimacy were also on display in a way that was respectful and realistic and her reactions to these moments endeared Hastings to me all the more. She and Sammy were charming together, both accepting of the other wholeheartedly, and it was a sweet and steamy journey of insta-love that soon became something more.
Samuel Adams is a second generation member of SWAT, trying to make a name for himself separate from his heroic father. He's always been popular with the ladies as they easily land at his feet, but he's not at all arrogant about the thrall he has over women. He does take it for granted though, so when the unique woman he comes into contact with at a robbery attempt doesn't easily give in to him he's thrown for a loop. Hastings is like no other woman he's known before and he quickly becomes entranced by her, trying to be cool early on before laying all his cards on the table to finally win her over. Sammy's an immensely appealing hero with a heart of gold. He's protective with alpha instincts that sometimes rush to the surface, but isn't afraid to say what's in his heart with words and deeds that made me love him all the more. His thoughts on pregnant women were especially charming and made me wish that all men thought like him. Through everything lobbed at this couple he made me laugh, made me smile, as well as bringing a blush to my cheeks in a romance that brought out all his heroic tendencies.
From start to finish this story held me captive with its unique and appealing characters and its array of emotions that kept me constantly on edge. The issues between Sammy and Hastings early on were typical problems of not listening, and though annoying, thankfully didn't last long. Once these two committed they were all-in and it was them against the danger creeping ever closer to her that had me speeding through the pages to see what happens next. Overall there was a great balance between the action and romance, a delicious balance in and out of the bedroom that made me smile while I fanned myself. Though their romance seemed instantaneous I enjoyed the time they spent together building their foundation while dealing with life, enjoying their humorous and naughty banter. There was much to enjoy about this book, as is often the case with a book from Ms. Vale, but I did feel there was a bit of roughness regarding the narrative as certain actions were forgotten as well as an overly-fast wrap-up to the story's ending. Despite my small quibbles I found this another delightful addition to the series, loved the family feel these characters engendered in me, and was especially drawn to this entertaining couple whose journey to HEA put me through the emotional wringer...in a very good way! I look forward to seeing these characters again and am counting down the days until Ms. Vale introduces us to her next unforgettable couple.
September 6, 2020
5 Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hands Stars!!!
From the beginning of this series, we’ve seen and heard a little bit about Hastings throughout this series, but haven’t ever really gotten to know too much about her and that all changes with this book in a big way!!
The start to Sammy and Hastings relationship begins in a very stressful way with them both being in the wrong place at the wrong time and we learn a few things about Hastings and I honestly had to chuckle a little bit with her outbursts due to her Tourette’s. They have a way of lightening the tension a little bit because you’re totally not expecting to hear “Pew, Pew, Pew” come out of someone’s mouth! And poor Sammy he’s not feeling well, but he knows he needs to do something and he literally saves the day with an assist by Hastings…and so begins their friendship soon to be romance.
I FREAKING LOVED EVERYTHING about this book. Hastings is a woman that has gone after her dreams and while she’s very shy and reserved, she has a few people in her corner that are there for her all the time and as everyone in “cop row” comes to know her too, they bring her into their world and accept her for who she is which is the first time this has happened to her and it truly made my hear smile.
I love how Sammy knew he wanted this woman, but wasn’t really sure how to go about it, especially when there may be others interfering with his desires. There’s plenty of heat in this book too because Sammy offers to be a “research partner” for Hastings romance novels! Everything I thought and felt about Sammy from previous books came to fruition seeing how he loved this girl. Their connection is electric and their acceptance of who and what they are solidifies their insta-love!
LLV has done an amazing job with this book and I loved every single page. And as is to be expected, there’s an element of suspense with this book that had me gasping and crying and all my emotions are all over the place. I thought to myself, “surely she’s not doing this… meaning LLV” and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go on if it wasn’t resolved in a way I could live with… yes, this is VERY vague but holy moly, I need to be because it’s a shocker!!
The comradery with the rest of the SWAT team is ever present and for those that have their HEA I loved how they brought Hastings into their fold giving her what she’s always been looking for…unconditional friendship and love! This series just keeps getting better and better with each book!!
From the beginning of this series, we’ve seen and heard a little bit about Hastings throughout this series, but haven’t ever really gotten to know too much about her and that all changes with this book in a big way!!
The start to Sammy and Hastings relationship begins in a very stressful way with them both being in the wrong place at the wrong time and we learn a few things about Hastings and I honestly had to chuckle a little bit with her outbursts due to her Tourette’s. They have a way of lightening the tension a little bit because you’re totally not expecting to hear “Pew, Pew, Pew” come out of someone’s mouth! And poor Sammy he’s not feeling well, but he knows he needs to do something and he literally saves the day with an assist by Hastings…and so begins their friendship soon to be romance.
I FREAKING LOVED EVERYTHING about this book. Hastings is a woman that has gone after her dreams and while she’s very shy and reserved, she has a few people in her corner that are there for her all the time and as everyone in “cop row” comes to know her too, they bring her into their world and accept her for who she is which is the first time this has happened to her and it truly made my hear smile.
I love how Sammy knew he wanted this woman, but wasn’t really sure how to go about it, especially when there may be others interfering with his desires. There’s plenty of heat in this book too because Sammy offers to be a “research partner” for Hastings romance novels! Everything I thought and felt about Sammy from previous books came to fruition seeing how he loved this girl. Their connection is electric and their acceptance of who and what they are solidifies their insta-love!
LLV has done an amazing job with this book and I loved every single page. And as is to be expected, there’s an element of suspense with this book that had me gasping and crying and all my emotions are all over the place. I thought to myself, “surely she’s not doing this… meaning LLV” and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to go on if it wasn’t resolved in a way I could live with… yes, this is VERY vague but holy moly, I need to be because it’s a shocker!!
The comradery with the rest of the SWAT team is ever present and for those that have their HEA I loved how they brought Hastings into their fold giving her what she’s always been looking for…unconditional friendship and love! This series just keeps getting better and better with each book!!
August 27, 2020
When you have books of the children you are always left wondering “will they meet or exceed the craziness of their parents?”
In Sammy’s case he has 3 large and in charge men that have been in his life: Miller, his dad, then Trance and Foster his uncles.
Sammy has some big shoes to fill when it comes to taking after his dad. He might even have something to say about that... “I’m not sure that I’ll ever get close to filling his shoes. In fact, he wears size fourteen, and I’m a size thirteen.” This moment in the book was one of my favorites.
Now onto Hastings for a moment. That girl whether she wants to admit it or not she is fierce for making it this long in life with Tourette’s being the awesome person she is. I went to school with a guy that ended up moving away because kids were so cruel to him. When he came back years later he was no longer the sweet boy I remembered but an angry bully. It’s a tough road but when you find the right people to journey with you it’s all worth it. Luckily Hastings found that in Sammy and she grabbed that opportunity after they fumbled it at the beginning.
If you want to know where Sammy lands amongst his family in my favorites well let me tell you. He blew every single one of them way and landed himself in my top 3 favorite Lani Lynn Vale books EVER!
I read 2 books today and did not expect either to make me cry. Emotional? Sure. Sob? No! Guess what?! I bawled like a giant baby. I get it! It’s Lani. She throws curveballs. But this wasn’t just a curveball. She took the curveball around the bend a few times, stomped on my heart and squished it extra to make sure it was empty. I’m bruised and battered now. And yes I’ll read it again in a few days because I’m sick like that.
This book is beyond amazing. It exceed expectations!
In Sammy’s case he has 3 large and in charge men that have been in his life: Miller, his dad, then Trance and Foster his uncles.
Sammy has some big shoes to fill when it comes to taking after his dad. He might even have something to say about that... “I’m not sure that I’ll ever get close to filling his shoes. In fact, he wears size fourteen, and I’m a size thirteen.” This moment in the book was one of my favorites.
Now onto Hastings for a moment. That girl whether she wants to admit it or not she is fierce for making it this long in life with Tourette’s being the awesome person she is. I went to school with a guy that ended up moving away because kids were so cruel to him. When he came back years later he was no longer the sweet boy I remembered but an angry bully. It’s a tough road but when you find the right people to journey with you it’s all worth it. Luckily Hastings found that in Sammy and she grabbed that opportunity after they fumbled it at the beginning.
If you want to know where Sammy lands amongst his family in my favorites well let me tell you. He blew every single one of them way and landed himself in my top 3 favorite Lani Lynn Vale books EVER!
I read 2 books today and did not expect either to make me cry. Emotional? Sure. Sob? No! Guess what?! I bawled like a giant baby. I get it! It’s Lani. She throws curveballs. But this wasn’t just a curveball. She took the curveball around the bend a few times, stomped on my heart and squished it extra to make sure it was empty. I’m bruised and battered now. And yes I’ll read it again in a few days because I’m sick like that.
This book is beyond amazing. It exceed expectations!
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