Tag Archives: Thriller

WOMAN DOWN by Colleen Hoover – review

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WOMAN DOWN by Colleen Hoover -review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2026

Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career―and herself.
Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.
Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her―the reputation only she can reclaim.

•••••

REVIEW: WOMAN DOWN by Colleen Hoover is a contemporary adult, romantic thriller focusing on struggling author Petra Rose.

Told from first person perspective (Petra) WOMAN DOWN follows romantic suspense author Petra Rose in the wake of a publicity nightmare. A film adaptation of one of her novels is marred by controversy and backlash, sending our heroine into a writing spiral and encroaching depression. Hoping to rediscover her muse, Petra Rose schedules a personal and private writing retreat at a lakeside cabin but from the outset reality begins to mimic fiction when the story line takes on a life of its’ own-a sexy detective, a fantasy that comes to life, and a series of misunderstandings and misinterpretations set into motion a best selling novel based on a series of lies and betrayal.

The world building is dramatic and complex as the reality of Petra’s choices become dangerous and dark. Not all is as it appears to be, secrets and lies give way to betrayal and issues of trust as Petra’s words begins to spin a tale stranger than truth. I guessed all of the twists early on.

WOMAN DOWN is a a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and obsession, desperation and determination. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic, intriguing and thrilling; the characters are raw and real. Although the author tries to avoid any comparisons to real life, there is a slight familiarity to recent events

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including the bestselling women’s fiction novel It Ends with Us and the bestselling psychological thriller Verity. She has won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance three years in a row—for Confess (2015), It Ends with Us (2016), and Without Merit (2017). Confess was adapted into a seven-episode online series. In 2015, Hoover and her family founded the Bookworm Box, a bookstore and monthly subscription service that offers signed novels donated by authors. All profits go to various charities each month to help those in need. Hoover lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Visit www.colleenhoover.com.
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Monk Last Rite (Axel Monk 4) by Chase Austin-review

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Monk Last Rite (Axel Monk 4) by Chase Austin-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 25, 2025

Axel’s this mission isn’t sanctioned — it’s personal.
Axel Monk wanted to disappear. To vanish into the deserts of Afghanistan and leave behind the ghosts, the bodies, and The Conglomerate that made him a monster.

But the past does not forgive.
And when they take Sanam Bajwa, the person he ever swore to protect, the world’s deadliest assassin is angry.

Now Monk is deep inside the badlands of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a lawless frontier ruled by warlords, smugglers, and traitors. Every side wants him: the Pakistan Army, the tribal militias, and the very assassins he once trained beside. But Monk does not care.

Because this time, it is not about duty.
It is about redemption.

As the Conglomerate hunts its rogue asset, Monk cuts his way through the underworld one bullet, one betrayal, one blood-soaked promise at a time. From the ruins of Peshawar to the mountain fortresses of the border, the message spreads like wildfire:

Axel Monk is coming.

And this time, he is not taking prisoners.

••••••

REVIEW:MONK LAST RITE is the fourth instalment in Chase Austin’s contemporary, adult AXEL MONK THRILLER suspense series focusing on assassin / police officer/ freelancer/ ghost Axel Monk aka Ali Ansari. MONK LAST RITE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion, as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Axel Monk, MONK LAST RITE follows several pathways including the search for a missing woman. Axel Monk is struggling in the wake of a botched assignment in Pakistan, and our hero has gone rogue. A group known as the Conglomerate is offering twenty million dollars to take down Axel Monk but Axel finds himself the lone witness to an abduction, a human trafficking ring, and he is determined to save the women unable to save themselves.

Meanwhile, two other assassins have accepted the contract in an effort to earn the twenty million dollars but as the assassins begin their journey towards becoming millionaires, they find themselves always one step behind, or following a dead end.

MONK LAST RITE is a detailed and dark story of power and control, religious rites and beliefs in the wake of questionable family dynamics, torture and abuse, acceptance and aggression. Axel Monk’s role is only a part of the current story line as the numerous pathways take the reader on several different journeys. The premise is complex and dramatic-the search for Monk ,the bounty and The Conglomerate is akin to the John Wick™ and the High Table. The characters are desperate and determined. MONK LAST RITE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

I would like to note that the title appears to flounder grammatically -perhaps MONK’S LAST RITE would have been more appropriate. Even my ‘spell check’ and ‘grammar check’ highlighted a problem.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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You Can Scream (Laurel Snow 5) by Rebecca Zanetti-review

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You Can Scream (Laurel Snow 5) by Rebecca Zanetti-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 16, 2025

Laurel’s family was never simple—but her half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant, unpredictable psychopath, just made it lethal. Accused of murdering their father, a man she always called a monster, Abigail claims
self-defense. As the trial unfolds and long-buried family secrets explode into headlines across Washington State, Laurel’s hard-won privacy is shattered. And the nightmare is just beginning.

Even as Abigail’s trial consumes public attention, new dangers close in as the murder of a prominent scientist and the illegal poaching of a rare Pacific plant point to something insidious. Laurel turns to Washington Fish and Wildlife captain Huck Rivers, her partner in work and life, for help. But the deeper they dig, the more the case seems to echo the chaos unraveling Laurel’s world.

With danger tightening around her, Laurel faces an impossible choice: trust Abigail in one crucial, treacherous alliance, or risk losing everything. Her career, her relationships, even her life hang in the balance. The clock is ticking—and if the threat breaks loose, nothing will be fast enough to stop it.

••••••

REVIEW:YOU CAN SCREAM is the fifth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult LAUREL SNOW suspense thriller focusing on FBI Special Profiler Laurel Snow. YOU CAN SCREAM can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing story throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Laurel, following numerous interconnected pathways, YOU CAN SCREAM focuses on the hunt for the truth. As the bodies begin to amass, causes ranging from suicide, to accidents and falls, FBI profiler Laurel Snow begins looking for a possible connection, a connection leading back to a local biomedical research facility called Oakridge Solutions. As Laurel begins a deep dive searching for the truth, our heroine becomes a target for some very powerful people.

Meanwhile, Laurel struggles to confront her brilliant but psychotic half-sister Abigail in the wake of their father’s murder, an evil man who took something from Laurel she will never get back.

The world building is detailed and complex, as the readers journeys down several avenues of possibilities, many with connection to one another including an unlikely foe. While Laurel’s boyfriend Fish and Wildlife officer Captain Huck Rivers embarks on a search of his own, protecting the woman he loves is paramount in the face of the perceived threats against our story line heroine.

The relationship between Huck and Laurel continues towards something more. Laurel struggles with the possibility of losing her independence, but Huck’s love for Laurel grows, as does his need to protect. The $ex scenes are limited but mostly implied.

Once again, there is large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters, many of whom we have met throughout the series including Laurel’s love Huck, her sister Abigail; Laurel’s PA Kat Vuittron, and her daughter Vivi; local self-proclaimed psychic Tim Kohnex, as well as FBI agents, law enforcement, and research specialists. The requisite evil has many faces.

YOU CAN SCREAM is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, family and relationships. The character driven premise is detailed, edgy and dramatic; the characters are charismatic and determined.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

You Can Run
You Can Hide
You Can Die
You Can Kill

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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She’s Going to Pay by Alexandra Ivy-review

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SHE’S GOING TO PAY by Alexandra Ivy-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 24, 2025

Leaving Canton, Missouri, behind was no hardship for Jesse Hudson. When she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister abruptly disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Their bodies were never found, but Jesse’s father, Mac, became a murder suspect. When he too vanished, Jesse waited months for him to return. Finally, she left, bouncing from one bartending job to another for years.

Now Jesse is back, hoping to quickly sell her father’s old bar before moving on for good. But coming home to Canton’s quiet, cobblestone streets doesn’t go quite as expected. There are memories resurfacing, and ties that haven’t broken. Then her father’s lawyer makes a startling admission: before he disappeared, Mac had discovered that Jesse’s stepmother, Victoria, was living under an assumed name. “Victoria Hudson” never even existed. Who was she really?

Delving deeper, Jesse grows convinced that her father’s assumed death is tied to Victoria’s real identity. And looking to the past is yielding more than secrets. Someone has been waiting for this homecoming, for a chance to unleash revenge for sins real and imagined. And they’ll make sure that Jesse never leaves town again .

•••••

REVIEW: SHE’S GOING TO PAY by Alexandra Ivy is a contemporary, adult, stand alone mystery thriller focusing on Jesse Hudson, years after the disappearance of her beloved father.

Told from omniscient third person perspective ( Jesse) using present day and memories from the past, SHE’S GOING TO PAY follows Jesse Hudson upon her return to Canton Missouri. Ten years earlier, Jesse’s step mother Victoria and step sister Teagan went missing, and her father Mac Hudson was the number one suspect. Charged with their murder, Mac would eventually be released due to a lack of evidence but within hours, Mac would go missing as well. Fast forward to present day, Jesse would return to her hometown of Canton Missouri, to finalize the sale of the family owned bar The Tap Room but from the outset secrets and whispers threaten any chance at a happy resolution as Jesse begins an investigation into her father’s disappearance and the circumstances surrounding the supposed death of her step-mother.

The world building follows Jesse as she struggles to come to terms with what happened and why. From questionable law enforcement, frightened witnesses, a step-mother whose true identity is unknown, and a determined real-estate agent, Jesse suspects there is more to the story than she could have ever imagined.

We are introduced to Jesse’s father Mac Hudson; Jesse’s boyfriend Parker Moreau; Step mother Victoria and step sister Teagan: handyman Noah Allen: real estate agent Reese Skylar: and cafe owner Bea Hartman.

SHE’S GOING TO PAY is a story of secrets and lies, greed and obsession, murder and mayhem, betrayal and vengeance. The premise is dramatic, dark and edgy; the characters are questions, determined, and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Description:
Tucking her daughter into her hospital bed, Gail sent up a silent prayer. Her daughter’s heart is failing and without this life-saving operation she will die. But soon her peace is shattered when a nurse races into the “Lock the doors, close the blinds. The hospital’s in lockdown. We have a shooter.”

When four attackers storm Founders Hospital, plunging it into an immediate lockdown, countless lives are at stake. As one of the FBI’s top negotiators, Special Agent Sandra Vos, is called in to bring the situation to a peaceful surrender.

Soon she discovers that the hostage takers have blocked the cell network and hospital phones are down. Every detail of the attack was meticulously planned. But why target a hospital?

Sandra’s strongest lead comes when they discover that one of the armed assailants forced themselves into a board meeting, taking their demands straight to the top. But with the attackers refusing to make contact and a little girl’s life hanging in the balance, Sandra needs to find the motive, fast.

When a shot rings out, it’s clear the hostage takers are prepared to kill to get what they want. But just when Sandra thinks all is lost, she discovers a link between them that reveals a very personal motive.

Sandra will need to use everything in her power to convince the hostage takers that this can end safely for everyone. But can she really meet their demands? And if not, how many lives will be lost?

 

 

 

Review:

Every Last One by Carolyn Arnold is the 2nd book in her Sandra Vos series.  Special agent Sandra Vos is a negotiator with the FBI, and she is sent with her partner, Brice Sutton to a hospital that has gone into a lockdown. A tense hostage situation at a Washington D.C. area hospital, and they realize there is no communication in or out of the hospital.  The hostage takers have blocked the network, and the internet and hospital phones are down as well. The tension ramps up as the hours tick by without resolution, the danger involving some of the antagonists.

Sandra is capable and strong, always calm in stressful situations, and has a fantastic memory. With four gunmen have the building in lockdown, Sandra faces her most harrowing challenge. She must determine to find a way to get communications back and try to talk to the main leader as the antagonists are hostile and angry.  Sandra also is concerned with a young child that will need a heart transplant in the later part of the day, and she fears the child will not be able to get help.

Every Last One was a suspenseful, tense, emotional, gripping, compelling thriller. The story points out so many situations, including anger, frustration, desperation, family, hostages, and danger. I love Sandra Vos, as she was a fantastic FBI agent. Every Last One was very well written by Carolyn Arnold.  Great story, which I suggest you read this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Publisher

 

 

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts – a Review

 

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Description:
Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

 

 

 

Review:

The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts is the third and final book in her wonderful Lost Bride Trilogy. Refresher: Sonya MacTavish inherited a magnificent, haunted manor with a heartbreaking history.  Over a period of years, seven brides came to the mansion, and seven brides died at the hands of Hester Dobbs, an evil witch spirit, who sent each of them to their deaths, in a jealous fit of rage: thereby cursing the house and all future brides.

Sonya is a descendant of the Poole family, along with Owen Poole; as she has the gift of sight, enabling her to see through the mirror, learning about the past brides and ghosts.  Sonya and her three companions (Cleo, Trey and Owen) continue to search to find the stolen wedding rings.  Sonya and Cleo look into the furniture/rooms to restore everything to its former glory; Trey and Owen also spend nights at the mansion, with both very much in love (Trey with Sonya, and Cleo with Owen). With new revelations, as well as light, laughter and love; which will bring happiness to the group; but they still need to deal with Hester’s constant evil dangerous rage.

Sonya searches all the various rooms, to find clues to her family’s past, putting pictures/photos, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. Sonya with help from Cleo, were determined to  fix up this haunted manor, with people, life and hope, once again. I loved Clover, who was great with her songs.  I adored Yoda (dog) playing with Jack; and got a kick out of Molly, always cleaning things up. I did adore all the dogs and the cat. 

The Seven Rings was an emotional ghost story, and the ties bonded them together. It was a story of good and evil, romance, heartwarming, fiction and thrilling. The Seven Rings was so very well written by Nora Roberts.   It was a great read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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SO MY EX-BOYFRIEND IS A SERIAL KILLER by Kylie Scott-review

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SO MY EX-BOYFRIEND IS A SERIAL KILLER by Kylie Scott-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2025

Nothing prepared Sidney Walsh for the awkwardness of having unknowingly dated an infamous killer. She’s doing her best to move on after her ex got dragged off to jail. If only online amateur investigators, his creepy fans and a particularly belligerent cop would leave her alone. Her social life might be quiet, what with having few friends and the neighbors wanting nothing to do with her. But at least it’s safe. That is until tattooed chef and all-round thirst trap, Noah, moves in next door.

Now Sidney is being asked on dates for the first time in forever, and feeling a dangerous mix of soul-deep connection and red-hot desire. But the darkest moments of her life come crashing back when her ex decides he has unfinished business…her. Will she and Noah make it out alive, and can their love withstand the nightmare of her past?

•••••

REVIEW: SO MY EX-BOYFRIEND IS A SERIAL KILLER by Kylie Scott is a contemporary, adult, crime thriller focusing on twenty-nine year old , data coordinator Sidney Walsh in the wake of the murder of several women.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person perspective (Sidney) SO MY EX-BOYFRIEND IS A SERIAL KILLER focuses Sidney Walsh, with the approach of the tenth anniversary of the arrest of her ex-boyfriend Ryan Brody for the murder of several women in Vermont. Throughout the ensuing years, Sidney has kept to herself but finds herself the infamous target of the paparazzi, true crime podcasters who bend the truth to their favor, questionable law enforcement, and the townspeople who believe she was the mastermind behind Ryan’s rampage. When chef Noah Allard moves next door, Sidney finds herself , for the first time in years, considering a future with someone else but the past refuses to let go, and our heroine is often the target of vengeance and hate.

The world building focuses on Sidney’s struggle to remain positive in the face of so much anger and vitriol. Her ex has amassed a fan base that is targeting our story line heroine, and family members are determined to destroy what’s left of her soul.

The relationship between Sidney and Noah begins as neighbors but Noah is unaware of his neighbor’s fame. As the stalkers and media continues to harass, Noah becomes guardian and protector when law enforcement refuse to acknowledge the threats and lies. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

We are introduced to Sidney’s best friends Hana and Muriel; Aunt Beth, and cousin Grace, and Ryan’s mother Dianne.

SO MY EX-BOYFRIEND IS A SERIAL KILLER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, murder and madness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic and intriguing; the romance is impassioned; the characters are diverse, determined and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook  | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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Innocence Road by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Innocence Road by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

Description:
Detective Leanne Everhart swore she’d never go back to her hometown near Marfa, Texas—but she returns when her brother needs her, only to find a town in need too, still torn apart by a decades-old crime.

Leanne Everhart knows women have something to fear in her artsy hometown, especially so if they’re not rich, white locals. Returning to town after her father’s death, she sees the ugliest sides of an area that draws people for its severe, untamed natural landscape.

While her department faces mounting backlash over a recent wrongful conviction in the long-ago murder case of a popular local teenager—which is now unsolved—Leanne is called to a fresh crime scene at the edge of the desert. A nameless woman was found murdered, with no clues as to her identity. As Leanne digs into the crime scene evidence, she grows convinced this latest murder case is linked with the local teenager’s murder. And to multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department without leads.

Now, with conflicted loyalties and without allies, Leanne must hunt down a serial killer, one who’s been preying on local women for two decades, growing bolder and more ruthless with every strike.

 

 

 

Review:

Innocence Road by Laura Griffin is a compelling story of small-town secrets, mystery, and cold cases.  Leanne Everhart has recently moved back to her hometown and joined the police department, where she is a detective. Leanne is smart, focused, determined and hard working; always seeking justice for victims. When another victim is murdered, Leanne is determined to pursue the clues pointing to a serial killer in her own hometown; especially with a still torn apart by decades-old crime.

Leanne uncovers some information that leads her to investigate possible cold cases during a 15-year period.  Her police chief continues to refuse her trying to prove her resources; with Leanne determined to solve the case on her own. She was made lead investigator on a recent death found in the desert. Leanne digs into the crime scene’s evidence; with multiple cold cases, all unnamed female victims, that have all been shelved by her department. Leanne gets some leads back 15 years ago, and begins to see that someone in their town is a serial killer, that has been going on for years. 

Leanne gets help from Izzy, a forensic photographer.  She also gets help from Duncan from another county. She has known him since their academy days in Houston, and he continues to be her sounding board and confident. 

Innocence Road is an exciting mystery thriller, with so much tense action from start to finish.   I loved Leanne, as she was a fantastic heroine.  Innocence Road was so very well written by Laura Griffin.  She is one of my go to authors, who writes fantastic mysteries. I suggest you read Innocence Road.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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