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Friends #3
Just Friends in Vegas
Is love always a losing game? When Mya is with Smithy, it feels like her eyes are constantly rolling. His wheeling and dealing charisma charms everyone but her. Well, that’s not strictly true – Mya is only human after all, and there’s no doubt the man is hot with his suits and swagger. It’s just that Smithy knows Mya’s secret, and she’s not sure she can trust him to keep it from their group of friends. As they immerse themselves in the glamorous and mysterious world of ‘The Suits’, growing closer as a result, Smithy has to question whether his time with Mya is destined to become a case of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ ...
- GenresRomance
230 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2021
54 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 15, 2021
Oh, such fun!
I read the previous two books, last week, in anticipation of this third coming out, and I was not disappointed in the least!
Mya has always been the mysterious one, out of these four friends, even though Paige appears to have some sort of psychic talent. We've been led through the first two books, with no inkling as to what her secret job is, but now, we finally find out.
I won't spell it out, since you need to read the book to get your own confirmation, but I had an idea...
Finding herself at her next 'job', Mya is faced with a rival she'd rather not be dealing with,
Smithy.
A friend of her best friend, Sophie's husband, hot as hell, and a past conquest Mya would rather forget, especially as she didn't do 'that' twice, with anyone.
But it's hard to get your heart and mind on one track, sometimes.
Smithy is the same, battling feelings he'd rather not experience towards this sexy woman, who holds some sort of power over him.
I've never been to Vegas, but I tell you what, I really want to go, now, to experience some of what these two got up to, even though I know artistic license has been applied!
It is great to see a POC main character, with her ethnicity not thrown in your face all the time. Mya may be of Indian heritage but she just proves that women are all the same, really, and can experience the same as any other woman out there. (Heck, her heritage may have just made her even hotter, but then as an Indian woman, myself, I might be biased!)
Another cracker of a book, read with ease and speed. So fast that I need the next one, so I know what Paige is up to, too! Come on Ms Keeling, we're waiting!
I read the previous two books, last week, in anticipation of this third coming out, and I was not disappointed in the least!
Mya has always been the mysterious one, out of these four friends, even though Paige appears to have some sort of psychic talent. We've been led through the first two books, with no inkling as to what her secret job is, but now, we finally find out.
I won't spell it out, since you need to read the book to get your own confirmation, but I had an idea...
Finding herself at her next 'job', Mya is faced with a rival she'd rather not be dealing with,
Smithy.
A friend of her best friend, Sophie's husband, hot as hell, and a past conquest Mya would rather forget, especially as she didn't do 'that' twice, with anyone.
But it's hard to get your heart and mind on one track, sometimes.
Smithy is the same, battling feelings he'd rather not experience towards this sexy woman, who holds some sort of power over him.
I've never been to Vegas, but I tell you what, I really want to go, now, to experience some of what these two got up to, even though I know artistic license has been applied!
It is great to see a POC main character, with her ethnicity not thrown in your face all the time. Mya may be of Indian heritage but she just proves that women are all the same, really, and can experience the same as any other woman out there. (Heck, her heritage may have just made her even hotter, but then as an Indian woman, myself, I might be biased!)
Another cracker of a book, read with ease and speed. So fast that I need the next one, so I know what Paige is up to, too! Come on Ms Keeling, we're waiting!
April 14, 2021
Brace yourself, peeps! After being teased for two books (during which I’m sure you’ll have been like me with your theories having theories *smirks*), Mya is about to spill the beans on her ‘work trips’!
And ermagawd, it’s a doozy and suits our Ms M to a T! She is badass and I love it!
And... talking of suits (pats self on back for that segue!), can we just spare a second to discuss Mr Arm Porn himself, Smithy? Ladies, prepare yourselves (and I can’t stress this enough!) for #TheSmithyEffect (patent pending)! Believe you me, that hashtag is very much warranted. JFiV is the author’s hawtest book to date. Mya and Smithy together are fire!
Classic enemies-to-lovers, these two spark of each other which you know can only lead to one inevitable conclusion and I don’t mean where one of them can hide a body! *snorts*
I love when a book can take you by surprise and JFiV most certainly did that! I was howling with laughter during some of the scenes. Trust me, this story will have your chin dropping left, right and centre. One of my favourite questions to ask authors is how the characters speak to them. I’m sure Lucy must have been like, ‘WTW?!’ as the characters relayed some of the shenanigans in this book. It’s like I’ve always said... an author’s mind can be a scary place.
Mya and Smithy are both scared to show their vulnerable sides but sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith with the right person and hope it will all come good in the end. Feelings, peeps! All. The. Feelings!
With appearances from most of the crew, JFiV is a raucous, laugh-out-loud, slightly angsty, caper which will keep you hooked to the end.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?! Hmm, I wouldn’t be too sure about that...
And ermagawd, it’s a doozy and suits our Ms M to a T! She is badass and I love it!
And... talking of suits (pats self on back for that segue!), can we just spare a second to discuss Mr Arm Porn himself, Smithy? Ladies, prepare yourselves (and I can’t stress this enough!) for #TheSmithyEffect (patent pending)! Believe you me, that hashtag is very much warranted. JFiV is the author’s hawtest book to date. Mya and Smithy together are fire!
Classic enemies-to-lovers, these two spark of each other which you know can only lead to one inevitable conclusion and I don’t mean where one of them can hide a body! *snorts*
I love when a book can take you by surprise and JFiV most certainly did that! I was howling with laughter during some of the scenes. Trust me, this story will have your chin dropping left, right and centre. One of my favourite questions to ask authors is how the characters speak to them. I’m sure Lucy must have been like, ‘WTW?!’ as the characters relayed some of the shenanigans in this book. It’s like I’ve always said... an author’s mind can be a scary place.
Mya and Smithy are both scared to show their vulnerable sides but sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith with the right person and hope it will all come good in the end. Feelings, peeps! All. The. Feelings!
With appearances from most of the crew, JFiV is a raucous, laugh-out-loud, slightly angsty, caper which will keep you hooked to the end.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?! Hmm, I wouldn’t be too sure about that...
April 17, 2021
I’ve really enjoyed Lucy’s series of books, and I especially loved the mysterious character of Mya in the first two books, so I was excited to finally find out more about her as this is her story. I was not disappointed at all, I adored seeing her and Smithy reconnect, and the backdrop was perfect too!
Highly entertaining and exciting, I was enthralled throughout. The Poker tournament was thrilling to read about, the glamour and location really appealed to me and fitted the character of Mya perfectly.
Highly entertaining and exciting, I was enthralled throughout. The Poker tournament was thrilling to read about, the glamour and location really appealed to me and fitted the character of Mya perfectly.
July 9, 2021
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Just Friends in Vegas is the third title in the Friends series – and I, like every other reader who has devoured this series, have been waiting for Mya’s story… and it was well worth the wait! Talk about smoldering sexy tensions between two people who aren’t quite as immune to each other as they’ve led their friends to believe.
We’ve never known exactly what Mya does on her “work trips” – oh, there were hints (kinda), and suspicions galore but now we get to see exactly what Mya does – and she does it with a flair that is purely Mya style. No, I’m not giving that away, you’ll have to dive into Just Friends in Vegas yourself for all the juicy details. Although, it turns out that I was closer than I thought in my guesses.
I adored Smithy, oh he had some growing to do, and they needed some conversations – but I liked the way this couple grew individually (and eventually as a couple) from the before Vegas to the during Vegas time. If you’ve never had the fun of visiting Las Vegas you can do so through Mya and Smithy’s experiences. It’s a city that is grandiose on one hand and down to earth on the other, so many worlds cross and mingle here that I never get tired of discovering something new with each visit.
Just Friends in Vegas is a funny, seductive, laugh-out-loud experience that you won’t want to miss. We get brief glimpses of past couples, discover Mya’s secret, and watch two people who have been skirting around each other for so long finally acknowledge that those sparks actually mean something beyond one moment in time. I had fun here – and I’m definitely being careful to not give too much away. You don’t “have” to have read the earlier books, they’d add another level of enjoyment but Smithy and Mya deliver a fun, sexy adventure that can stand on its own. You should check it out as soon as possible so you don’t miss a thing that happened in Vegas.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Just Friends in Vegas is the third title in the Friends series – and I, like every other reader who has devoured this series, have been waiting for Mya’s story… and it was well worth the wait! Talk about smoldering sexy tensions between two people who aren’t quite as immune to each other as they’ve led their friends to believe.
We’ve never known exactly what Mya does on her “work trips” – oh, there were hints (kinda), and suspicions galore but now we get to see exactly what Mya does – and she does it with a flair that is purely Mya style. No, I’m not giving that away, you’ll have to dive into Just Friends in Vegas yourself for all the juicy details. Although, it turns out that I was closer than I thought in my guesses.
I adored Smithy, oh he had some growing to do, and they needed some conversations – but I liked the way this couple grew individually (and eventually as a couple) from the before Vegas to the during Vegas time. If you’ve never had the fun of visiting Las Vegas you can do so through Mya and Smithy’s experiences. It’s a city that is grandiose on one hand and down to earth on the other, so many worlds cross and mingle here that I never get tired of discovering something new with each visit.
Just Friends in Vegas is a funny, seductive, laugh-out-loud experience that you won’t want to miss. We get brief glimpses of past couples, discover Mya’s secret, and watch two people who have been skirting around each other for so long finally acknowledge that those sparks actually mean something beyond one moment in time. I had fun here – and I’m definitely being careful to not give too much away. You don’t “have” to have read the earlier books, they’d add another level of enjoyment but Smithy and Mya deliver a fun, sexy adventure that can stand on its own. You should check it out as soon as possible so you don’t miss a thing that happened in Vegas.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, ChocLit/Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 6, 2021
This was a fabulous read! It was fun, sexy and full of sparks that it just made me want to pack up and head to Vegas.... I might meet a Smithy while I'm there! He's one of those guys that is a bit of a lad, and full of himself, but that seems more of a front than anything. Underneath you know there's a big softy just waiting to get out!
And in this book he has his eyes on Mya! She's a lady full of secrets, and he's party to the biggest secret, but how long will he stay quiet!? And why hasn't she told her friends the real reason why she's over in Vegas to begin with?!
This is a fabulous setting for a story!! It's full of glamour and there's lots of mystery and intrigue going on and the group that are thrown together are bound to clash with the varying personalities amongst them!
While Mya and Smithy are in Vegas they are both there for the same reason, and - trying not to give away any spoilers! - it was really fun to see how their relationship progressed. Mya is a bit of a hard one to read at times and glimpsing behind the bravado shows us her other side and shows the best way to deal with the sexists amongst the group! Never stoop to their level and hit them where it hurts!!
Another great book from Lucy, featuring a feisty female character and a storyline that zips along and keeps you fully involved! Loved it!!
And in this book he has his eyes on Mya! She's a lady full of secrets, and he's party to the biggest secret, but how long will he stay quiet!? And why hasn't she told her friends the real reason why she's over in Vegas to begin with?!
This is a fabulous setting for a story!! It's full of glamour and there's lots of mystery and intrigue going on and the group that are thrown together are bound to clash with the varying personalities amongst them!
While Mya and Smithy are in Vegas they are both there for the same reason, and - trying not to give away any spoilers! - it was really fun to see how their relationship progressed. Mya is a bit of a hard one to read at times and glimpsing behind the bravado shows us her other side and shows the best way to deal with the sexists amongst the group! Never stoop to their level and hit them where it hurts!!
Another great book from Lucy, featuring a feisty female character and a storyline that zips along and keeps you fully involved! Loved it!!
April 18, 2021
Well.
So *that's* what Mya does for a living. Was it what I thought it would be? Nope. Am I disappointed? Also nope. Because "Just Friends in Vegas" is a wonderfully funny caper through the world of professional poker that I - who was once upon a time a somewhat serious card player - thoroughly enjoyed.
Smithy and Mya were like two pieces of flint, constantly sparking off of one another. And when those sparks ignited... well *insert blush here*.
There was a surprising touch of angst to this also that I wasn't expecting. I thought I had the character of Mya all figured out prior to reading this, but turns out I was wrong. Likewise, if I hadn't known that Smithy was the hero of this novel, I might have been tempted to write him off after the first few chapters as 'the one before the one'. But he really comes into his own in this book, and I enjoyed entering his headspace and watching him grow as a person.
Where Ms Keeling really shines though, is as a writer of witty, natural dialogue. I honestly could have spent hours just reading Mya and Smithy talk things through.
All in all, a fun way to spend a few weekend hours and I look forward to reading about Paige's escapades soon.
So *that's* what Mya does for a living. Was it what I thought it would be? Nope. Am I disappointed? Also nope. Because "Just Friends in Vegas" is a wonderfully funny caper through the world of professional poker that I - who was once upon a time a somewhat serious card player - thoroughly enjoyed.
Smithy and Mya were like two pieces of flint, constantly sparking off of one another. And when those sparks ignited... well *insert blush here*.
There was a surprising touch of angst to this also that I wasn't expecting. I thought I had the character of Mya all figured out prior to reading this, but turns out I was wrong. Likewise, if I hadn't known that Smithy was the hero of this novel, I might have been tempted to write him off after the first few chapters as 'the one before the one'. But he really comes into his own in this book, and I enjoyed entering his headspace and watching him grow as a person.
Where Ms Keeling really shines though, is as a writer of witty, natural dialogue. I honestly could have spent hours just reading Mya and Smithy talk things through.
All in all, a fun way to spend a few weekend hours and I look forward to reading about Paige's escapades soon.
March 22, 2021
Mya's secret career finally revealed! If you read Just a Boy Friend and/or Just Friends, you know how mysterious she was about it. But if you haven't, starting with this one shouldn't be a problem (I just bet you'll want to go back and see how Sophie and Marcus, then Polly and Bailey, got together in the previous books).
As the blurb remains vague about Mya's secret, I'm not sure how to comment without giving it away, so let's just say I really enjoyed following her and Smithy to Las Vegas and see how they interacted as competitors who are also kind-of-friends and obviously attracted to each other.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the blurb remains vague about Mya's secret, I'm not sure how to comment without giving it away, so let's just say I really enjoyed following her and Smithy to Las Vegas and see how they interacted as competitors who are also kind-of-friends and obviously attracted to each other.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2021
This is the third book in the series but this can be read as a standalone (although I would strongly recommend reading the others as they are fantastic too).
Mya had a secret job which finally comes out when she and Smithy are both in a televised poker tournament. This is a bit different however as the organisers have arranged for the players to do some challenges between the rounds. Add to the fact that Mya and Smithy slept together on a previous occasion, along with the chemistry that they clearly still have, makes for an interesting tournament. When someone tries to play dirty Smithy and Mya may need to pull together to get to the bottom of things, but can they stay just friends?
All the gang are in this book in some way or another and it’s great to catch up with how things are with them too.
I love the way Lucy brings the characters to life and you get a real picture of them, all with different personalities.
A real page-turner, who knew poker could be so hot!
Mya had a secret job which finally comes out when she and Smithy are both in a televised poker tournament. This is a bit different however as the organisers have arranged for the players to do some challenges between the rounds. Add to the fact that Mya and Smithy slept together on a previous occasion, along with the chemistry that they clearly still have, makes for an interesting tournament. When someone tries to play dirty Smithy and Mya may need to pull together to get to the bottom of things, but can they stay just friends?
All the gang are in this book in some way or another and it’s great to catch up with how things are with them too.
I love the way Lucy brings the characters to life and you get a real picture of them, all with different personalities.
A real page-turner, who knew poker could be so hot!
April 13, 2021
All is fair in love, war and poker
This can be read as a standalone novel even though it is related to Just Friends and Just a Boy Friend (previously titled Make It Up To You).
It’s the story of Mya and Smithy (friends to Polly, Bailey, Paige, Sophie and Marcus previously seen in the other novels). Mya is quite secretive about her work. They are both professional poker players but Mya hasn’t told her friends about this. They have had a one night stand but nothing came of it. However, they are still attracted to each other and the spark still shows when they end up both competing at the International Poker Championships in Vegas.
It was a great story and really had me hooked. I was rooting for Mya and Smithy and it was nice to see that Mya had another side to her “Ice Queen” persona.
This can be read as a standalone novel even though it is related to Just Friends and Just a Boy Friend (previously titled Make It Up To You).
It’s the story of Mya and Smithy (friends to Polly, Bailey, Paige, Sophie and Marcus previously seen in the other novels). Mya is quite secretive about her work. They are both professional poker players but Mya hasn’t told her friends about this. They have had a one night stand but nothing came of it. However, they are still attracted to each other and the spark still shows when they end up both competing at the International Poker Championships in Vegas.
It was a great story and really had me hooked. I was rooting for Mya and Smithy and it was nice to see that Mya had another side to her “Ice Queen” persona.
April 24, 2021
There are some books that you absolutely jump for and this was one such book. I had devoured the first two in the series and on hearing that this was set in Vegas I practically started bouncing around. And it very much did not disappoint.
This is the story of Mya, who we find has got a very interesting, exclusive and private job that none of her friends know about. Said job brings her face to face and head to head with the swoonworthy Smithy.
I love a book where the job is as interesting to me as the chemistry and relationship (which was both electric and perfect by the by), and adored being thrown into the scene in all Vegas' technicolor glory. A movie I'd go to see. It's said this can be read as a standalone but to be honest all three books are so good, why wouldn't you?!
This is the story of Mya, who we find has got a very interesting, exclusive and private job that none of her friends know about. Said job brings her face to face and head to head with the swoonworthy Smithy.
I love a book where the job is as interesting to me as the chemistry and relationship (which was both electric and perfect by the by), and adored being thrown into the scene in all Vegas' technicolor glory. A movie I'd go to see. It's said this can be read as a standalone but to be honest all three books are so good, why wouldn't you?!
April 13, 2021
Really loved this book, it's great fun! Although part of a series it does stand alone very well, although possibly slightly better if you have read the earlier ones. The world of professional poker playing was new to me. Very interesting.
The relationship between Mya and Smithy evolved despite themselves and I really enjoyed watching the progress of what was a foregone conclusion. The story around them, their past and the romance was well woven together with several surprises en route which kept me guessing to an extent. An added bonus was their relationship with their friends, an unusual but lovely side to a romance. A nice easy read which kept me entertained.
The relationship between Mya and Smithy evolved despite themselves and I really enjoyed watching the progress of what was a foregone conclusion. The story around them, their past and the romance was well woven together with several surprises en route which kept me guessing to an extent. An added bonus was their relationship with their friends, an unusual but lovely side to a romance. A nice easy read which kept me entertained.
January 10, 2023
OMG Lucy is a brilliant author. I had read the first 2 books of this series and I could not not read this one. It was amazing just like the other 2 books.
The friends series is a must read by anyone especially someone who loves reading romance books.
I am so glad that Mya and Smithy ended up being together after so long. They are so perfect together just like Sophie and Marcus in book 1 and then Polly and Bailey in book 2.
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4 with Paige I wish it was out now so I could get my nose stuck in it right now but I have to be patient and wait for it to be finalised and published
The friends series is a must read by anyone especially someone who loves reading romance books.
I am so glad that Mya and Smithy ended up being together after so long. They are so perfect together just like Sophie and Marcus in book 1 and then Polly and Bailey in book 2.
I cannot wait to see what happens in book 4 with Paige I wish it was out now so I could get my nose stuck in it right now but I have to be patient and wait for it to be finalised and published
April 20, 2021
Lucy Keeling has done it again with Mya’s story. Her secret is finally uncovered. Lucy’s characters are always so beautifully crafted, they feel like real people that you’d love to be friends with and it is great spending time with them again. This time Mya finds the gorgeous Smithy is in Vegas for the same reason as her, but can she trust him to keep her secret from her friends? And which one will be the ultimate winner? And is love the one game they can’t win? There are some real tensions in this fast paced story. This is one book you won’t be able to put down, I couldn’t.
April 14, 2021
Took a while to get into this book as I’m not a fan of poker. However soon the characters of Maya and Smithy took over and then the story galloped off at a great pace in Las Vegas. I loved the “challenges” faced by the competitors as well as the supporting cast of family and friends. Great as a stand-alone novel but even better if you have read the previous 2 novels in this series. Fun read, highly recommend!
June 15, 2021
Lucy Keeling's Just Friends Trilogy is the holy trinity of the three Hs—humour, heart and heat. I devoured all three over a couple of weeks because I loved the light hearted comedy, characterisation, and spice. I think Mya was my favourite heroine because she's a feisty, fabulous feminist with sass to spare who looks out for her fellow women. The descriptions of Smithy in a tailored suit also went down rather well...
August 10, 2022
After reading the two previous books I was desperate to find out more about Mya & this book definitely didn’t disappoint! I loved seeing the development of icy vegas Mya into the real Mya who loved so deeply and got the happy ending with Smithy! Ended the book with a huge smile on my face for! Such an easy & happy read !!
April 13, 2021
This is the latest in the 'Friends' series and the best as far as I am concerned. I'm really tempted to learn how to play poker myself .... A very satisfactory novel to relax with at any time - I have no qualms about recommending it.
April 18, 2021
Such a fun caper with plenty of laughs and romantic sighs.
Love this Just friends series, they just get better and better with each book. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and some gorgeous sexy romance combined.
Excellent read!
Love this Just friends series, they just get better and better with each book. Plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and some gorgeous sexy romance combined.
Excellent read!
May 4, 2021
What a fun read! I loved this book. I loved the setting in Vegas, I loved Mya, and I loved Smithy (swoon!) It was fantastic to read a book about poker too - so unique and interesting. It's a brilliant read.
May 27, 2021
This book was just a massive big ball of fun. Romance, female empowerment, the bright lights of Vegas - it was an absolute hit with me. I had so much fun reading this and could picture every second of it. A fantastic addition to the Just Friends series by Lucy Keeling.
April 18, 2021
Fun romcom series with a badass heroine and sexy leading man.
Loved it!
Loved it!
April 21, 2021
Loved this book!
Absolutely loved this book, each book in this series just gets better. Lots of laughs and a real feel good story, would highly recommend!
Absolutely loved this book, each book in this series just gets better. Lots of laughs and a real feel good story, would highly recommend!
June 9, 2021
Fantastic
I love these books and this author. Really hoping there will be a book 4 about Paige with cameos from the couples in the first 3 books.
I love these books and this author. Really hoping there will be a book 4 about Paige with cameos from the couples in the first 3 books.
August 21, 2021
This book is so much fun! The main characters chemistry is absolutely sizzling and the romance utterly satisfying and swoon worthy.
Read
June 1, 2024I really like the concept of gambling on life and love. Well played. 👏 (See what I did there…)
June 30, 2024
Cute & funny. I would definitely read something by this author again.
April 13, 2022
Just Friends in Vegas did not disappoint!
Just A Boy Friend and Just Friends had me hooked from the get go and both books had me desperate to know more about Mya.
Mya was a great character, she’s strong and bad ass and knows it but also has a soft side especially when it came to her friends and Smithy 😍🤤. I love how in their relationship they gave as good as they got and their chemistry was off the charts! Smithy was a fantastic book boyfriend!
I’m very much looking forward to reading Paige’s story!
Lucy Keeling is one of my favourite people and let me tell you she’s just a bloody lovely person as well as a talented author!
Just A Boy Friend and Just Friends had me hooked from the get go and both books had me desperate to know more about Mya.
Mya was a great character, she’s strong and bad ass and knows it but also has a soft side especially when it came to her friends and Smithy 😍🤤. I love how in their relationship they gave as good as they got and their chemistry was off the charts! Smithy was a fantastic book boyfriend!
I’m very much looking forward to reading Paige’s story!
Lucy Keeling is one of my favourite people and let me tell you she’s just a bloody lovely person as well as a talented author!
April 26, 2021
Another fabulous instalment to the friends series! What a book. I read it in one sitting, after waiting months for it. Lucy Keeling just keeps on delivering. This book has it all! I'd highly recommend to the romance fanatics of the world- you won't be disappointed!
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