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Showing posts with label katie mcgarry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label katie mcgarry. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2013

Cover Madness Giveaway!

Xpresso Reads
I am so happy to be participating in a giveaway that showcases ALL THE PRETTY COVERS! Thanks so much to Xpresso Reads and Alluring Reads for hosting this hop. 

So basically, I've selected some of my favorite recently-revealed covers. If you win, you can pick one of these books to be allllll yours. You can chose one of these for pre-order, or, if a book shown is part of a series, you can pick one of the earlier books. This giveaway is international--available to those who live anywhere The Book Depository ships. This giveaway ends July 14, 2013.
Here is what you have to chose from: 
(Clicking on a cover will take you to its Goodreads page)

Enter with the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

June Recap

If you haven't been obsessively keeping tabs on our blog, I must say I'm neither surprised nor upset. So here are some posts of note from June, just in case you missed them ;D



Friday, June 21, 2013

Vote for Noah!

*Hushed tone* 

Hello, everybody. My name is Gabbi from BookBreather. I'm currently reporting from the halls of Eastwick High School, here to give you an exclusive look at Noah Hutchins from Katie McGarry's Pushing the Limits.

I've spoke to some of his friends, a few of which were hesitant to reveal anything important about Noah. Eventually, I was able to squeeze out a few answers.






“Noah felt strong and warm and muscular and safe and he smelled, oh, God, delicious. I couldn't stop kissing him if my life depend it upon it: his lips, his neck, his chest, and Noah seemed as hungry as me.” 

Me: What is it that attracts you most about Noah? Is it the dark brown eyes, shaggy hair, muscles, or mysterious demeanor? 
Echo: Noah is so much more than tall, dark, and handsome. 

“My heart hurt to see her in pain and, for one second, i shut down all emotion. One day, she'd figure out she was too good for a loser like me and when she left, i didn't know how i'd deal with the pain. Hell, she was worth it. I enfolded her into my body once more, kissing the side of her neck.” 

Me: There has been buzz that, ever since Noah began dating Echo, he has changed. How so? 
Beth: Echo has got Noah wrapped around her finger, but I think it's mutual. He used to be the first one to whip out the joint or crack open a beer, but when Echo's around, he's always making sure she's okay and having fun. She doesn't drink much or smoke, so he stopped doing it around her. Now, probably out of habit, he usually turns down the illegal substances, even when she isn't around.
Me: What can you tell me about Noah's brothers? Are they part of this changing process? 
Beth: I can't tell you much. Noah's brothers have always been the most important things in the world to him. He's had to make a lot of difficult decisions when it comes to them, but he learned to see what is really best for them, even if it's not best for him. 

I kissed her forehead and she snuggled closer to me. The world felt strange. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t fighting someone or something. My brothers were safe. Echo knew the truth. Soon, I’d be free from high school and foster care. Hopefully, I’d be admitted on late acceptance to college. Contentment and happiness were unfamiliar emotions, but ones I could learn to live with.

Me: My sources indicate that Noah used to be quite popular before being put into the foster system. Do you think this has affected your friendship any? 
Isaiah: It doesn't matter who Noah used to be. Everyone has gone through tough times. Noah is fiercely loyal to me, Beth, Echo, and his brothers. Despite everything that happens to him, he hangs on to the things he thinks are important. Doesn't dwell on what used to be. So no. I don't think who he was before we met affects anything. 

“Wow, Mrs. Collins is a freaking miracle worker. Dangerous Noah Hutchins on the straight and narrow. If you don’t watch out she’ll ruin your rep with the girls."
I lowered my voice. "Not that it matters. I only care what one girl thinks about me.” 


Me: Many people, especially adults, began to view Noah as a hopeless case. What did you see in Noah that gave you such faith that he could change?
Mrs. Collins: Noah has this fire in him that is evident in everything he does. From the very first conversation I had with him I could see that fire. He doesn't want to be a bad person, he doesn't act a certain way to be spiteful. He's merely trying to take a bad situation and make it something he can deal with. But he is a teenager and there is only so much he could do on his own. After speaking with him that first time, I realized that I could help him. He was used to people rallying against him, though, so I had to prove I was on his side. 
That was about all they were willing to share, but it's all I need. Noah is loyal and sexy. He is trying to change and become better--for his brothers, for Echo, and for himself. He may have the bad boy thing going on, but there's much more to him than meets the eyes.

You've heard it straight from those who know him best. If you adore these qualities as much as they--and I--do, you most definitely need to vote for Noah Hutchins. Use #TeamHutchins to spread the word and the love. After everything he's been through, Noah could use a good victory!
 
Today is the day! Please vote for Noah in the YA Crush Tourney. And don't forget about the scavenger hunt and all the posts from the last week or so that show you why you should vote for Noah!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

A Noah-Tastic Scavenger Hunt

Tomorrow, people. Tomorrow! *Belts the Annie song*

But for cereals, Noah's match in The YA Crush Tournament is tomorrow! What better way to ring in the occasion than with a Noah-themed scavenger hunt? Answer: There is no better way!

So here's the dealio. I will give you a list of posts, pages, tweets, etc. and then I'll ask you some questions. Using the links given, you'll have to find the answer to those questions. Some of the links will be used more than once, some will not be used at all. Easy stinkin' peasy, I think. And wait! It gets better. That's right: BETTER.

Here's the dealio dealio. Everyone who correctly answers all the questions gets entered into a giveaway. What is the prize, you no doubt ask? Well the fabulosa Katie McGarry is graciously offering one U.S. resident a signed hardback of Dare You To and a signed paperback of Pushing the Limits. UH, YEAH. I'm honest to goodness envious of whoever wins this. Two runner-ups will get a bunch of random swag from me (also for U.S. only--so sorry)! Of course, international readers can enter the scavenger hunt for funzies. Also, if you have a U.S. address that prizes can be sent to, that's fine, too.

You have until Monday, June 24, 2013 to scavenge.

Now that we got all that crud covered, let's get down to bizznizz.

The links:
Interview with Noah + Acrostic Poems
Noah's top 5 guilty pleasure moves/TV shows + Letters to Noah
Katie McGarry's "about me"
Pushing the Limits title change
Pushing the Limits playlist
Twitter quote 1
Twitter quote 2
Twitter quote 3
Twitter quote 4
Goodreads page

The Q's:
1) Because of his brothers, which animated TV series can Noah now sing the theme song to?
2) According to Noah himself, he wants to take Echo to see _______________________ in Colorado?
3) Does Katie McGarry prefer cats or dogs?
4) Before being renamed, Pushing the Limits was titled what?
5) What are two songs on the Pushing the Limits playlist?
6) Though it is in the book, it is also on twitter. Noah says, "Here's the reality, Echo: _______________________."
7) According to a poem by a Street-Teamer, Noah is naturally blessed with what?
8) What are Katie's favorite colors to write in?
9) What was the publication date of Pushing the Limits
10) One of the wonderful Street-Teamers wrote a letter to Noah about the hope he gives her. What was this Street Teamer's name?

Please don't leave answers in the comments! Please leave all answers in the from below. If you don't know or can't find an answer, leave N/A in the answer box. If you have questions or comments, feel free to comment, email me (gabbicalabrese@hotmail.com) or tweet me (@bookbreather).
And whatever you do, DO NOT forget to vote for Noah in the YA Crush Tournament on June 21, 2012. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Noah's Guilty Pleasure Movies + Letters to Noah

In further celebration of Noah's wonderful fabulousness, I present to you Noah's top 5 guilty pleasure movies/TV shows:

1. I'll watch Grease, but that's only because Beth watches it.
2. I'll pay full price to watch any Fast and Furious movie with Isaiah
3. Because of Echo, I'm more aware of Grey's Anatomy than I care to admit.
4. Any reality TV show makes me feel less messed up than I actually am.
5. Since being a part of my brother's life, I can sing the theme song to Phineas and Ferb.

Mwahahah! I can sing the Phineas and Ferb theme song, too. We haz so much in common! Do you and Noah share any of the same guilty pleasure viewing habits? And have you guys noticed that all of Noah's responses revolve around other people? What a sweetie pie!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, here are a couple letters from Noah's INCREDIBLE street team. I told them to write a letter to Noah about whatever they wanted and this is what I got:
Wow! Both of those letters are great in their own way! :) They really show off how lovable Noah is, huh? Gives you good reason to vote for him in the YA Crush Tourney on June 21!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Character Interview: Noah Hutchins from Pushing the Limits

If you had never ended up in the foster system, what do you think your life would be like? 
Possibly like Echo’s. I would have grown up in a good home on the right side of town. Honestly, I’d probably be like that ape Luke that Echo used to date. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have turned out to be such an ass as him though.

What is your favorite memory (or just one of your favorite) you have with your brothers? 
Watching them wake up Christmas morning after Dad and I had stayed up all night to put together their toys. They were wide eye and all smiles. So were Mom and Dad.

Aside from any people, what are some things you are most grateful for? 
A roof over my head. Food to eat. Honestly, the people surrounding me are the things I’m most grateful for. Losing my parents taught me what’s important in life.

What is one thing that was never important to you before meeting Echo that you now think about a lot? 
Art. More Echo’s art than anyone else’s. I never thought much about paintings or drawings before I met her. It’s amazing to watch her work. She becomes hypnotized and she’s damn sexy when she does it.
Echo’s taught me that art is more than lines on a page. She’s letting the world see a part of her soul. If you think about it, that’s courageous. 

What are three things you never leave the house without? 
My car keys, wallet, and when it’s not a hundred degrees outside, my black leather jacket.

If you could visit any place on Earth, where would you visit and why? 
Echo wants to see snow capped mountains in Colorado and I want to take her there. Seeing her smile and her eyes light up creates a peace inside of me I never thought possible since my parents’ died. 

How do you feel about so many random people reading your story and wanting to rip your clothes off? 
((Noah smiles and laughs)) I think it’s brought out a very jealous and protective side of Echo. She’s damn cute when she’s mad. 

And finally, what is your most embarrassing memory? (And don't be shy, we won't judge you! As I said, we want to rip your clothes off.)  
I don’t embarrass easy, but Echo does. A few weeks ago Isaiah stumbled downstairs to find me and Echo in a very compromising position and she was so embarrassed that my cheeks turned red for her. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone, please just take a moment to appreciate how sweet/sexy/wonderful his answers are. Appreciate them! 

And now that's done so I'll share with you some Noah-licious acrostic poems that have come from Noah lovers everywhere. 

Here is my poem: 
Nom nom is how I would describe the 
Outstanding guy before my eyes.
A character that practically crawls off the page.
He certainly holds a place in my heart. 

Here is a poem from Jess, a member of the Noah Hutchins street team:
Naturally blessed with a impressive physique, he is
Overconfident and wild but 
Actually quite soft and chivalrous, the boy is
Heartbreakingly beautiful in every single way 

Another street teamer named Katherine wrote this one: 
Never did he
Open up to
All the worlds’ beauty,
Hence the destroyed soul but,

Help from Echo cured his
Unbelievably broken heart and
Turned him into a
Caring, Loving,
Handsomely considerate guy
Indeed, with
Nothing that could
Stop him from pursuing his dreams

And yet another Street, Melly, wrote this poem: 
Wow! I'm so lucky to have some fantastic, creative minds on Noah's street team AKA The Street Team of Complete and Utter Win. 

Feel free to write your own acrostic poem and either comment with the link to the post or write it in the comments. But most importantly, vote for Noah Hutchins on June 21, 2013 in the YA CRUSH TOURNEY!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

A Pushing the Limits Fan Art "Contest"

Hi everyone. Just a quick post to say that Nova and I (Gabbi) are having a fan art contest-type-thing for Katie McGarry's Pushing the Limits in an effort to encourage people to vote for Noah Hutchins in the YA Crush Tourney, hosted by The YA Sisterhood.

Anyway, this is just a call for everyone to submit any fan art they have for Pushing the Limits. It can be drawings, cover re-designs, photoshopped pictures--anything, really! We're going to collect all the fan art and put it in a public online gallery of sorts. We'll pick a few of our favorites (maybe with Mrs. McGarry's opinion as well) and send PtL ribbons to those people. Unfortunately, the ribbons are only for U.S.ers, but everyone is welcome to submit their work.

To submit your art, email me at gabbicalabrese@hotmail.com
Also, feel free to email or tweet me (@BookBreather) with any questions.

Please make sure that all art submitted is your own work, though. You will be receiving credit for your art, and I would like to give credit where it is actually due.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Calling All Katie McGarry Fans


Alright, so Katie McGarry kind of came out of nowhere. One minute, no one had really heard of her, the next minute everybody and their moms' dogs needed to get their grubby paws on a copy of her debut, Pushing the Limits.

Haven't heard of it? Check out all its magnificence on Goodreads.

Basically, that book is the BOMB DOT COM! One of my favorite books in 2012 and, ya know, my life. A ginormicus contributing factor: Noah "Nom Nom" Hutchins.

Much to my delight, I was the lucky lucky lucky lucky blogger who got selected to advocate for Noah Hutchins in the YA Crush Tournament, hosted by the awesomesauce YA Sisterhood.

Never heard of it? Check out this post. And this page.

Anyway, if you're reading this post, I'm going to assume you are a fan of the aforementioned writing magician that is Katie McGarry. And if my previous assumption is correct, I'm also going to assume you are a fan of Mr. Noah Nom Nom Hutchins Yum. If you're not, I politely ask you to remove this post from your computer screen. (Except not really, because I think we can separate our differences.)

So, assuming that you are a fan of Noah Hutchins, this is me extending an invitation to you:

JOIN THE NOAH HUTCHINS STREET TEAM


He deserves so much love. More love than I am solely capable of giving him. (Nova is helping, too. But still. He needs more!) Basically, the purpose of this street team would be to promote Noah's supreme awesomeness, to support him in the YA Crush Tourney, and lead him to VICTORY! This street team does not require too much work. I will be sending out little daily "assignments" for you to partake in, each one revolving around Noah and his delicious Noah-ness.

The only requirements for joining the team are as followed: 1) You love Noah Hutchins. 2) You have a social media platform to spread the love, such as facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc. I don't care how many friends or followers you have. 3) No bashing other characters, books, or authors. AT ALL. I'm 17 and I like to pretend the internet is a friendly environment. Don't show me otherwise!

You do not have to participate in every single assignment or spend a lot of time on any assignments you do choose to take on.

In order to join the Street Team of Complete and Utter Win, just fill out this form reaaaaaaal quick. (Note: if we've already talked on twitter about this, you do not need to fill out the form.) There might just be prizes involved but I make no guarantees as of right now.

If you have questions, feel free to email me at gabbicalabrese@hotmail.com or tweet me @BookBreather. I have no life, really, so it's not like you'd be bothering me. In the mean time, spread the word about #TeamHutchins and the #YACrushTourney

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

When I think of beach reads I imagine books that are easy to immerse yourself in, have a bit of humor in them, are relatively quick reads, and are mostly just light and fun. Not all of these books fit the description, but still. I also looked at my beach reads list from last year and tried not to pick the same books. 

1) School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
2) The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace
3) Golden by Jessi Kirby
4) The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
5) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
6) Just One Day by Gayle Forman
7) All Sarah Dessen books
8) Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
9) The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
10) Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook
 By 'beach read' I think I'll generalize it to a summer/holiday/light-hearted/fun/friends/romance read :) Though they're not all typical contemporary as I'm not reeeeeally a contemporary girl.

1) Falling Fast - Sophie Mckenzie
2) Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman
3) Star-Crossed - Rachel Wing
4) The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen
5) Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
6) Incarnate - Jodi Meadows
7) Sam Cruz's Unfallible Guide to Getting Girls - Tellulah Darling
8) Candor - Pam Bachorz
9) Everneath - Brodi Ashton
10) Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

#YACrushTourney

Okay, anybody who has been in the blog-o-verse for a little while has probably heard/witnessed this magical thing called the YA Crush Tourney hosted by the spectacular YA Sisterhood. If you don't know what it is, let me tell you that it is basically an excuse for us book lovers to fawn all over our imaginary book boyfriends and rally together to lead them to victory. Honestly, this tournament is just for fun. It's not like an "official" thing. It is just among the blogging world. Still, it is so much fun and a great way to support all the books/authors/fictional hottiez you love!

Anyway, the point of this post is to inform everyone that I (Gabbi) have been selected to advocate for Noah Hutchins from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.

I don't even know how to express my excitement for this. I looooooooooove Noah!!! (Doesn't everyone?) And I would just like to ask for EVERYONE'S help to bring Noah the victory he deserves. Dude has been through some tough times, and I'm sure he would secretly love it if he won ;) Please help support Noah. Tweet about him (using #YACrushTourney and #TeamHutchins). Post about him on facebook. Spread the word about him in every way you possibly can. Most importantly, though, please vote for him when his time comes! Also, Katie McGarry is an unbelievable writer and I am thrilled to be representing her as well!

I encourage you to support ALL your favorite hotties, though. Of course, I will be voting for my other favorite book boys as well, but Noah is my main man!

I guess that's all I have to say! Who will be helping support Noah!? As inspiration to do so, I will leave you with a quote:
“Please, Noah, I don't want to do this wrong. Tell me how to make you feel good."
He shifted so that his body rested beside mine, his leg and arm still draped over me. I felt small under his warmth and strength.

His chocolate-brown eyes softened. "Being with you feels good. Touching you-" he tucked a curl behind my ear. "-feels good. I have never wanted anyone like I want you. There's nothing you can do wrong when just breathing makes everything right.” 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Book Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing the Limits #2

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: eARC
Pages: 462
Source: Received from the publisher for review, via NetGalley
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....(Summary from Goodreads.com)

Katie McGarry absolutely blew me away with her stunning debut, Pushing the Limits. Now, after reading Dare You To, she has thoroughly won me over. I don't feel near as strong about this one as I did PtL, but Dare You To is emotionally charged, brimming with tension, and loaded with characters that practically walk off the page.

Narrators: 
It is always hard for me to read a companion novel or spin-off with different narrators than the ones I originally fell in love with. but McGarry has a knack for making characters that are so real and stay with readers for a lonnnnng time. Once again, Beth and Ryan seem like opposites, but is reality, they compliment each other very well. Whereas Beth seems prickly, defiant, and stubborn (with trust issues off the charts), Ryan is the golden boy who everyone adores (with a secret hobby: writing). I was reluctant to get inside both of these characters' heads, but I do not regret jumping in. Both of them are full of secrets and family problems and personal obstacles they need to conquer. Seriously, both characters grow so much. I wasn't swooning hard-core for Ryan, but he was a good guy and I like him. And Beth isn't exactly someone I would want as my best friend, but I loved getting to know what was going on in her mind and understanding her life.

Romance:
The relationship between Beth and Ryan is more than just a fluffy relief from the drama. The romance is used as a tool for growth and self-discovery. Ryan and Beth's relationship is far from perfect--it can get frustrating and repetitive--but the two continuously encourage each other to face fears and make better decisions. At it's foundation, their romance is solid and meaningful. Oh, and sexy. There's lots of kissing, in case you were curious. And then some.

The other people: 
But Beth and Ryan aren't the only characters in this book. Even those that only make brief appearances in the book had an effect on me. Scott (Beth's uncle) provides the parental backbone that Beth has needed her entire life. I really liked him. He kept trying to do the right thing, even when Beth made it difficult. And then there is Isaiah. I was sad when I found out that this book was Beth and Ryan's story, not Beth and Isaiah's. While I realize that Isaiah and Beth are not meant for each other, my heart still broke for Isaiah. He is so sweet and he deserves happiness. Needless to say, I cannot wait for his story, Crash into You. Ryan's friends are also great and I appreciate how supportive they are of Beth. Unlike his family and skankbag of an ex-girlfriend. Blech!

So, yeah...
Honestly, the plot isn't all that spectacular. Not very memorable. I read this book a few months ago and have since forgotten most of the details about the plot. It's the characters that make this book what it is. Still, McGarry demonstrates exceptional writing skills and a story that will envelop readers. It goes to show that McGarry is certainly much more than a one-hit wonder. I pray that we keep seeing LOTS more of her. Even if this isn't my favorite book in the entire world, I still flew through it, eager to see what happens next. Yeah, you want to read this.
Enter for a chance to win this book, or another summer release.
Read my review for Katie McGarry's Pushing the Limits.
Read Charlotte's review for Pushing the Limits. 
Read an old interview with Katie McGarry.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Featuring Travel of Some Sort

1) Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen - Obviously, the form of travel in this book is a bicycle, which plays a really big role in this book. More symbolic than anything, I think. But, I just re-read this book (one of my favorite of Dessen's) and it was even better the 2nd time around. 

2) The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler - All I have to say--motorcycle boys=NOM.

3) Just One Day by Gayle Forman - This book has all sorts of different travel in it. In fact, readers get to travel all over the world with this book! 

4) The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead - From planes to cars to trains to feet to mind traveling, Rose goes on so many adventures throughout this series. (I just had to put this on my list. Just had to.)

5) Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols - A teenage girl who flies airplanes? Yeah buddy. 

6) Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - Another book that I just HAD to put on the list. Because it's frackin' awesome. There is a road trip at the end, sorta, so it counts! 

7) Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker - I think this is the only book I've read that takes place primarily on a boat. Love it! 

8) On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves - Plane crashes have never been sexier ;D 

9) Golden by Jessi Kirby & 10) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Both of these books feature a unique adventure (one by car, the other by plane) that made the books so much more realistic and meaningful. 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

What Time Is It? (Giveaway)

Summer time, duh!
Or...

I cannot be the only one super duper extremely excited!!

Uh, anyhow...
Summer is the season full of possibilities, lazy days, and (most importantly) shenanigans! In order to celebrate such shenanigans, I've decided it is time for a summer-tastic giveaway.

What's up for grabs? 
One lucky person will win one (1) summer release that either I've read and adored or I'm dying to read. This giveaway is available to all areas that The Book Depository ships to.
The winner may choose one (1) of the following books:
All I Need by Susane Colasanti | A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin |

Dare You To by Katie McGarry | Golden by Jessi Kirby | Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead |

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler | The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis |

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith | You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle |

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols | The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen |

Five Summers by Una LaMarche | When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West | Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt |


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