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Unexpected Royals #1

Dancing With a Royal

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Clara Little is about to take off to London for the opportunity of a lifetime. She has just been asked to fill in as a last moment replacement in the "World Stars of Ballet" showcase! David Leeds is a workaholic royal who is also a well known bachelor. He tends to shy away from the spotlight. Their worlds are about to collide. Can romance blossom between a ballerina and a prince? Are their worlds too different?

182 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2020

84 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Tomi Tabb

18 books40 followers
Tomi is a self-proclaimed caffeine addict who is more than excited to be able to share the inner workings of her mind with you through her characters.

She writes romance with a focus on royalty and sports.

When she's not working, Tomi loves to hunt for pumpkin flavored foods and watch home renovation shows.

Connect with Tomi:
https://linktr.ee/tomitabbauthor

Website: https://tomitabb.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tomi-...

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5 stars
122 (38%)
4 stars
93 (29%)
3 stars
53 (16%)
2 stars
36 (11%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Koutsoukou .
2,205 reviews712 followers
December 16, 2020
2,5 👑 ❤️ 🩰 ⭐️s

This story had a slow pace and flow, yet the writing was good.
However, for me, there were too many details regarding places or things, that minimised my interest.
Whatever romance existed didn’t bring out enough emotions and I wasn’t convinced of David and Clara’s love. It was hard to believe they had fallen for each other within two weeks and later having David proposing to Clara.
Their story was not over (hfn) as it continues in the next book of the series.
Profile Image for Janelle Connor.
34 reviews
May 8, 2021
This book was so well written and made me love the characters. I am such a huge fan for royalty. This was a perfect book that allowed me to read about royalty in manner that allowed me to cheer from the sidelines and know that so much has been given from both sides. This was a quick read! I loved every minute of it!
Profile Image for Abby Lane.
Author 11 books3 followers
February 15, 2021
A ballerina takes the trip of a lifetime, finding happily ever after in the arms of her unexpected prince.

Claire Little receives an unexpected honor, when she’s asked to replace a prima ballerina in the Wedding Pas de Deux from the classical ballet, The Sleeping Beauty. She travels to the UK where she’ll perform at the Royal Opera House, but one misplaced step, alters her plans.

The royal prince, David Leeds, travels to the U.S. to rescue his royal cousin, but he’s pleasantly surprised at the airport when Claire assists him. The couple accidentally meets again at an English hotel, but an accident sends Claire into the arms of this handsome prince. A love at first sight romance now takes center stage.

Readers who love the ballet and royal life will enjoy this heartwarming story. I was drawn in from the start by Claire’s career as a dancer, as I have a fascination for Sleeping Beauty. I enjoyed this part of the plot, given that my daughters have taken ballet and I’ve experienced many performances. The author effectively describes the dance scenes, which made me feel as if I was part of the viewing audience.

While some readers will find the ending predictable, this love story reveals itself in a clear and concise manner. The novel would have been stronger if more conflict had been utilized, in keeping with the struggles a royal prince might face when choosing a commoner as a life partner. In my opinion, David’s family, particularly the Princess Royal, may have been too receptive to his choice. Even so, love wins in this romance, and the characterization in no way lessens the sweet impact of this story.

The novel is a page-turner and is overall well-written. The author is to be congratulated, as in Tomi’s first novel, it’s apparent the author achieved a worthy work of fiction. Readers will be excited to learn the author is writing book two in the Unexpected Royal series. I certainly am intrigued to read the next compilation in the life of this royal family.

***I received this novel from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest editorial review. The novel and the original review will be published on February 27th, 2021.
Profile Image for Jerrye  Tellmeagreatstorylove.
818 reviews16 followers
April 19, 2021
Such a cute story with realistic situations and witty dialogue. I could really identify with the frustrations and "nothing going right" instances that Clara was having at the start of the story. I've been in the middle of one such situation and wished I had come out of it having met a handsome stranger willing to help set things right. I loved that the story had just enough page time to really play out without needing to have extra padding to make it longer. While clearly a work of fiction, there were some very real experiences and consequences of the romance between Clara and David. I really liked that everything was kept clean and closed door. While I don't agree with everything that happened, not having anything explicit meant that I could finish reading the book and enjoy the ending. The detailed look inside the world of a professional ballerina was also a good inclusion. It gave the story some needed depth and made Clara more realistic and engaging. I will certainly recommend this story to others as it was a delightful read that I think others will enjoy.

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from the author via Booksirens in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Sneha Josie.
368 reviews6 followers
June 25, 2021
This book is titled, "Dancing with a Royal" and it is supposed to be the first one in the Unexpected Royals Series. This is the story of Clare who is a professional ballerina who is working with a company. David belongs to the royal family who appears to be cold and rude. Clare gets an opportunity to get associated with World Stars of Ballet which happens in London. When the world of David and Clare meets at one stage what do you think happens? Grab this book to know more about the story of a girl who unexpectedly meets a prince.

Clare's experiences in ballet provides the reader a different insight apart from the romanticized concept which is portrayed in books or films. David is a workaholic but handsome guy and when he comes in contact with Clare things change. Clare appears to be more of a 'new woman' who works for her dreams and she resembles the heroines of Sophie Kinsella whose life gets topsy turvy and waits for magic. This situation works out magically because this is a phase that will be experienced by everyone so it reflects reality indeed. The story moves slowly but steadily, as it should. I would suggest playing some aesthetic music and lit some scented candles for a next-level experience! The writer has took the effort to record even the tiniest of the detail thereby giving a proper visualization effect.

Undoubtedly, there are some humour and funny moments which lighten the mood. Though at times the plot gets predictable, the writer has written it in such a rom-com kind of series type. Can't wait to grab the next book on this series because am so hooked on the journey of Clara and David. Henceforth, recommending this book to readers who are looking for a series with dance, romance, goals, a prince, and everything in between.
Profile Image for Jill.
833 reviews39 followers
March 16, 2021
This was a really cute book. I loved the ballet side of the story. Hearing about the challenges and joys the ballerina experiences. The reality of it is so different than what you imagine. Other than reading about ballet, this story is about a royal prince and a ballerina. Sounds very fairytale-ish but I felt like it was grounded in reality. The interactions and chemistry felt believable. I love a lady with gumption and Clara really filled that role. She stood up for what she believed in, was a hard worker, and didn’t go all fangirl on the royals or other ballet stars.
This reminded me of a Hallmark type movie in a good way; one I would definitely watch. The story is low on drama. Difficult situations and circumstances are mostly handled with grace. No crazy over the top reactions.
If you are looking for a feel good story with a happy ending this is for you.
This is the author’s first book and I think she did a fabulous job. I will check out the sequel.
Rating: PG, there are a couple words ( 2 instances) near the beginning where they use foul language but no F bombs. There is no sex in the book but there is a scene that implies in a non graphic way there might have been off page sex. Overall the story is clean and if this was a movie it would have a PG rating.
14 reviews
March 16, 2021
Clare Little is an up and coming ballerina who has an amazing last minute opportunity to participate in a showcase in London for the Royal Ballet Company. The story starts out with multiple hiccups that just had me in stitches. A true what could happen next rom-com. In the process she meets what she perceives is a rude handsome business man but later discovers is a Prince and 4th in line to the throne. It does not take long for her to realize that he is actually a very kind and considerate man and they are instantly attracted to each other. Clare is cautious though as she has had to struggle and fight for everything she has ever earned. This is a HEA without a cliffhanger.
I loved how the book showed the strength and stamina of ballet and the will to push ones body to make something so beautiful. I would have given it 5 stars if but the book kinda petered out for me. I felt like I was waiting for a little bit more. That being said it was a great weekend read and a fun romance. I will keep my eye out for more books by Tomi Tabb.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kelly.
Author 1 book18 followers
March 10, 2021
As a Book Reviewer, I received a free copy of Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb for my honest review.

Dancing with a Royal by Tomi Tabb is the story of an up and coming ballerina, Clara Little, in Los Angeles, California who is invited to replace a star ballerina in "The World of Ballet" showcase in England. An unexpected meeting with a handsome man at the airport in Los Angeles leads to another unexpected meeting with the same man in England, Prince David, the Duke of Leeds, a workaholic member of the Royal Family and eligible bachelor. Sparks ignite and the story becomes a sweet romance, and as the romance builds, it soon becomes a heartwarming love story.

Dancing with a Royal by Tomi Tabb is the best book I've read in 2021 so far. Tomi Tabb did a fantastic job of creating, not just likeable, but loveable characters -- characters that made me smile, that had me cheering for them, that had amazing chemistry, and whom I would love to meet and spend a day with in real life. Ms. Tabb also wrote so well about what it's like to be hounded by the paparazzi, I could easily sympathize with the characters. Ms. Tabb didn't just create engaging, delightful main characters, but her secondary characters were just as well written.

This story was definitely a character driven story, but also had a very interesting plot line that kept things moving, and just enough description to paint a picture of the many settings in the reader's mind.

This book and its characters will live in my memory and heart for a long time, and I look forward to reading the next book in Tomi Tabb's "Unexpected Royals" series as soon as it's available.

I highly recommend Dancing With a Royal to anyone who loves a good sweet romance or heartwarming love story, and I give this book 5 stars.
Profile Image for Book.
3,351 reviews111 followers
March 6, 2024
Cute and adorable story. There are some things that I didn't vibe with. Clara overreacted, to me, about the security thing. Yes, David should have had a conversation, but she didn't even allow him to explain or actually talk to her about it. That showed to me that she wasn't ready to take the next step with David. I wish the book had been longer so she could have grown more. I really like David. He's super down to earth. Charlotte, his mother, is hilarious. I hope that I get more Clara dancing in the next book.
110 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2021
Dancing with Royals is a sweet novel. Using the overarching story of Sleeping Beauty, Clara and David's story unfolds. Both the ballerina Clara and a British Duke David are complex characters who have distinct personalities. The two of them together seem like a well matched pair, and the supporting characters Amanda and Edward help move the plot along.

While the initial meeting between the two characters is clever, it takes a long time to get into the story. Between Clara suffering a pretty grotesque injury, and subsequent minutia about the injury, it takes a long time to figure out really where the story is going. No doubt, being a ballerina is a physically brutal profession, I'm just not sure I need to read about it in such great detail while reading a romance book.

The first half of the book though is filled with complex details about ballet, fashion, and London and NO KISSING. Like, no romantic tension. Sure, the author will let us know Clara or David like-likes the other person, but even for a sweet romance I'd like a few missed chances to move the relationship along. Because of this delay, the interesting parts of what it is like to date a royal are quick and feel perfunctory, the primary conflict is wrapped up swiftly, and a HEA is on the horizon.

When David and Clara finally do kiss, there's hardly any of the book left and it is just starting to get good. I'd like to keep reading this author, I think there is more story to be told. The characters created are truly wonderful, I just like more spice in my romances. I'm hopeful for the sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
154 reviews3 followers
July 4, 2021
I quite enjoyed the romance story between Clair and David. The plot was interesting at the cute meet and then later at the hotel. The dialogue appeared stereotypical or forced in a number of places. It did feel spontaneous sometimes as it might in a budding romance. The characters were developed sufficiently for this beginning novel since it was a short romance. I will be reading the next book to see what happens next. I wish the author best of luck . I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jean Stillman.
1,023 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2021
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
This is a sweet, clean modern day romance with strong Cinderella vibes.

Clara Little is a ballet dancer who has just been given an incredible opportunity. She has been invited to dance in London in the World Stars of Ballet performance. This is her opportunity for everything she has dreamed of. But with her departure for London, a series of events will take place that change her life forever! It starts with a seriously delayed flight and a very rude, boring businessman man at a magazine stand.

In London, an accident occurs where the two are face to face again. Clara learns the man, David Leeds, is not intentionally rude, is rather gorgeous and kind, and is a prince, the fourth in line to the throne. His cousin has accidently injured her foot and she must perform in less than two hours.

The attraction is immediate for them both and as David attempts to make up for the chaos caused that resulted in her foot injury, Clara gets to know and admire the man.

An excellent read for ballet fans or those who enjoy reading about royal families. It is appropriate for all ages.
Profile Image for TBHONEST.
885 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2021
Enjoyable read

An enjoyable and well paced original read. Falling in love with royalty is something many have written about but the ballet element to this story adds a unique and fun twist.
Profile Image for Mary.
13 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2021
Royalty without preambles

Sweet story if life could only be this simple. A good story of fiction because the royals would never find themselves in this situation. But it was good light reading.
260 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2021
Clara is a ballerina with the opportunity to guest with the Royal Ballet in a pas de deu of the wedding scene of Sleeping Beauty. This is her dream come true. As she arrives at the airport for her flight from Los Angeles to London, her flight is delayed. This is the beginning of her trek to perform. The trials she must overcome in order to get to the stage show how strong a ballerina is emotionally and physically.

Clara shows her strengths and is able to open her heart to love. With her bestie Amanda, a flight attendant, we see a friendship that is all encompassing. Both women would do anything to help the other.

This is an awesome read that I highly recommend to all who believe that love will win out

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,521 reviews21 followers
February 28, 2021
A world class ballerina leaves home to fly to London to be a substitute for an injured star. At the airport everything goes wrong!! Her flight is delayed. A man steps on her foot. Another man is so focused on his phone he holds up the coffee line - so she pays for him and then she can pay for hers and leave. And that is just the beginning of the difficulties, , . . . and the beginning of her interactions with the focused man, Royalty, Pain, Total life changing trip. LOVED this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mireille.
748 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2021
This is the first Tomi Tabb book I’ve read but it’s not going to be the last. I truly enjoyed this book. I was so drawn into the book that I was thinking about it when I was unable to read it, I was wondering what would happen next. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading the about Amanda and Eddie. I received this book from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
630 reviews14 followers
March 1, 2021
I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I Loved this book from the beginning to the very end.

I Loved the story line which the author did very well in my opinion.

The characters were pivotal to the storyline in my opinion.
355 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

Well I love ballet did it for many years myself this was a dream come true fairytale book

I loved the rapport between Clara and the Prince the two nationalities and quirks of different ways of life made it enjoyable also so believable

Absolutely delightful can’t wait for next book

Thank you
Profile Image for Andriana Ristevska.
216 reviews21 followers
April 16, 2021
"When you find someone you love, a true love, you need to do everything in your power to hold onto it."

Since she was a little girl, Clara wanted to become a ballerina. She didn't just wish it, she worked hard for it to happen. And it did. She is a professional bellerina working for a company. One day she gets the call that's gonna fulfil her biggest dream. One of the ballerinas was injured and they called her to replace her in the 'World Stars of Ballet' showcase, in London. Dancing in the Royal Opera House, what esle would she want?

But little did she knew, her journey is not gonna be that easy. From delayed flight, lost baggage, to dealing with rude rich strangers... Will she be able to arrive in time and get ready for the show?

A compilation of unexpected events gonna lead to Clara meeting David. A workaholic men that at first sight seems to be cold and rude, but he's just doing his royal obligations. Is David going to resist Clara's natural and real beauty?

I am obsessed with this book. I loved every single page of it. It's cute, romantic little story about a normal girl meeting a Prince. But can that type of relationship even exist? Can she get used to that royal treatment? And can he accept the fact that she's just a normal person? Very interesting story. I loved the author's style of writing and the fact that this is her debut novel is incredible. Looved the vibes and the tour around London.
Profile Image for MN Book Lady.
2,171 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2021
Clara has been given the opportunity of a lifetime- to dance for the Royal Ballet Company. On her way there, she meets a very rude man who turns out to be the fourth in line to the throne.

David wasn’t meaning to be rude and felt awful after his cousin stepped on her foot while he made a quick exit to the bathroom. And watching her dance stirred something in him. And so they set out to get to know one another. And he has relative anonymity when he dresses like everyone else and wears his glasses. But when their relationship goes public, will Clara be able to handle the scrutiny?

Clara and David get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.

I really liked that David and Eddie both felt bad for hurting Clara. I wasn’t too sure about the instant love story and at times it was a stretch to believe it. Especially because David was a self-proclaimed workaholic who seemed to instantly take two weeks off. And there seemed to be no qualms from his mother or uncle about David dating and marrying an American. This is a clean romance novel with basically a fade-to-black, single-sex scene. Or that is what I think they were doing.

I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
11 reviews
March 22, 2021
This book was a lighthearted romance where two people meet by chance and take an instant interest in one another. It was honestly like reading a Hallmark movie. The characters were likeable and believable as everyday people. The romance also wasn't over the-top, mushy, or excessively sexual which I really appreciated. You could easily read through without losing sight of the plot or losing interest in the characters.

Clara's dedication to her art is spot on. Both her strengths and weakness are easy to understand and add to her character. Reading from both her view as well as David's really helps with bring the characters/story to life. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a good, clean romance with realistic characters. It is very well written and easy to get into.

I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I am writing this review voluntarily.
563 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2021
Dancing with a royal book 1

The basic story is fine. I figured this was a new author and after reading the paragraph beyond the story I find I was correct. The story needs to be filled out Between the sentences that are already there: more description and more time ( two weeks to get to know someone, for a royal to call it love and get engaged). Everything felt like It was a bullet point being given with no description as to what that bullet point meant. It's the difference between learning techniques and employing them versus having passion for your work and the techniques are there but in the background of your thinking and doing. You just have to let the creativity flow and let the techniques guide you, or employ them when editing.
Profile Image for Debbie Nina Boc.
372 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2020
it should be 4.75 stars as the book needs some heat on the sections of the book. but i like the story overall. could not wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Karri Henley.
455 reviews
November 5, 2021
4 stars!!

Oh how I loved this story!! Clair and David were a match made in heaven!! I did not want it to end!
16 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2022
What a Fabulous Read

This book is so full of humor and heart. Then, add in ballet and the royal family...it just doesn't get any better than that! I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
562 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb is a witty, sweet romance with beautiful characters and beautiful settings.
Will Clara find love and happiness?
Clara Little
Clara is our female lead. She is a petite ballerina that only has time for ballet and her closest friends. Clara doesn't even have a social media account. Not one! When she looks for something to read at the airport, she chooses National Geographic, not a gossip magazine. It is safe to say that she has kept herself sheltered in a way.

I like Clara and her no-nonsense ways. However, she has a short fuse, which she is aware of and is working on keeping it from blowing. Clara is physically stronger than she seems, but that is expected since she is a professional dancer. I found myself instantly drawn to her sweet character.
Prince David
Dancing with a Royal CRLeeds is our male lead, and he is a prince. He barely acknowledges her presence when he first meets Clara, but he still mentally sees and remembers her. When they meet for the second time, the circumstances are worse than the first time. However, David uses his manners and ability to assist Clara to help win her over.

I also like David; he seems like a hard-working private regular guy, you know, if you can get past the whole royalty thing which he finds burdensome at times. I thought that the way he uses the perks was terrific, though.
Five Stars
I was entertained by the story Dancing With a Royal, the characters, and of course, the settings. This book is the whole package. I think that Ms. Tabb spins a sweet tale that was easy to follow and chocked full of knowledge. She did her research well. My rating for Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb is five stars.

If you are looking for a sweet royalty romance, I recommend this one. Now, I am off to read Jiving with a Royal.


The Unexpected Royals Series

Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb Jiving With a Royal by Tomi Tabb Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb


Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb.

Until the next time,

Jen Signature for BBT

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Brooke Gilbert.
Author 11 books124 followers
March 5, 2023
“‘David, even if you were a poor shoemaker, you would make me the happiest woman in the world. I love your mind, your heart, and your gentle soul. I love your drive and your determination. I want to be with you forever and always, wherever life may take us.’”

Things I adored:
🇬🇧 London Setting
🏹 History & Sightseeing
💃 Dance references
🐻 Clare Bear nickname
🤴 A prince who isn't who he seems at first glance
💋 That classic Tabb swoon!

🍿🎥 Read this novel is you like movies like: The Prince & Me, Princess Diaries, What a Girl Wants, Fred Astaire Dance Movies, Let’s Dance, and High Strung

Tomi Tabb has officially become my rainy day author! I can always count on her for a wonderful story that sweeps me away with wonderful characters and a sweet story, but with lots of swoon. I absolutely love how she delivers steamy kisses in a sweet and clean way! It’s absolutely perfect! And as always I love traveling with her characters :) It’s one of my favorite aspects about picking up one of her novels! As someone who loves to dance, I was taken with the references and care that was taken in portraying a dancer’s life accurately! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! Another wonderful novel from Tabb!

”In a conversation with Amanda a week ago, she would have given a resounding no as her answer, yet the more time she spent with David, the more she was prepared to give everything up for him. In the back of her mind, Clara knew where her heart was.”

Read the full review at https://www.brookegilbertauthor.com/p...

#royal
#royalty
#richvspoor
#ragstoriches
#dancerromance
#enemiestolovers
#forcedproximity
#whirlwindromance
75 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2023
Writing was weak

I hate to say it but I almost stopped reading this book. The writing hopped all over the place. I felt like this story was so disjointed. Maybe that the word I am looking for. Girl meets a prince at the airport and 2 weeks later they are engaged. Ok right. The heir to the throne breaks her foot when he ran into her drink and says oops. Sorry. No offer to pay for her medical coats or repercussions. She’s a ballet dancer and her feet are her life and she’s like “well darn I have a cast now cos my foot is broken”. But the prince she just met - I think they had a couple of dates - proclaims his undying love. But he calls her ballet company in the US and wants to sponsee her so she will get promoted. What was that all about? That never went anywhere. He has some important meetings so she goes off to Paris and travels for a week - with a newly broken foot in a cast- with her bestie. Walks all over Paris then flys back to the US. This story was just not well written or logical. Sorry but that’s my personal opinion. And oh yeah.. They are lying in bed, he’s rubbing her hand and talking about her taking the principal dancer position at the Royal Ballet and his mom bursts in the door and wants to talk about wedding plans. But wait.. they are already planning the fix up of her bestie and the heir to the throne. Alrighty then.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
215 reviews
May 20, 2022
Book 72 of 2022 — Dancing With a Royal by Tomi Tabb

Who doesn’t love a good commoner/Royal romance? I’ll read just about any of them!

I will say, this one was not quite as good as I expected. I understand Ms. Tabb is a newer author and I hope that future books will have less typos, more character development, and less cliché moments.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed the idea of a Royal and a ballerina as l have always liked “behind the scenes” dance books and movies! Clara is a great leading character.

A light and easy read. Definitely not high-brow literature, but still enjoyable!

3⭐️/5
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