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To the Highest Bidder

3.52 of 5 stars 3.52 · rating details · 355 ratings · 31 reviews

Ben Searcy's best friend and business partner presents him with a very unusual birthday gift. Becca has bid on and won an auction and she's handing her winnings over to Ben. The highest bidder gets the privilege of sharing lunch with Mitch DeSantis, star of wildly popular television show, Case Files.

Though he's a huge fan of the show and not above entertaining a steamy fan...more

ebook, 1st Edition, 106 pages

Published December 8th 2008 by Loose Id, LLC

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Nov 14, 2010 DarienMoya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-m-m-lovin, 2010-reads

^^ I BID FAREWELL TO THIS BOOK!^^
2.5

This was my least favourite book by Kate Steele, I am a huge fan of her paranormals but this one was quite forgettable and I doubt I will read it again. It was not horrible but I had a hard time developing feelings for the characters and in the end they remained quite forgettable.

Ben owns a book store and is a fan of a crime show on tv, best friend wins auction to have lunch with lead character and gives it to Ben as a birthday present. Ben is excited and re...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Macky rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is another ordinary Joe meets famous celebrity romance but it's definitely one of the better ones. What lifts this one is the chemistry between Ben, a young gay bookstore owner who has been single for 12 months after a bad break up with his cheating ex,and who is now wary of getting into a new relationship and Mitch, a gorgeous, famous TV star who is the lead ( and crush )in one of Bens favourite shows. For Ben's birthday his best friend and business partner, Becca wins him a charity auctio...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Sammy2006 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ben, part owner of a book store, is still recovering from a 3 year relationship that left him alone and hurting. His friend Becca bids on a charity auction and lands him a date with TV star Mitch DeSantis. Little does Ben know that the rather surly and rude Mr. DeSantis is hiding a secret of his own...namely the loss of the only man he ever loved after his own 5 year relationship. Now Mitch is attempting to be straight, is drawn inexorably to Ben and Ben is intent on running from the possibility...more

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Apr 25, 2010 Kassa rated it 3 of 5 stars

I read this short novella while waiting for my plane to take off so it was the perfect size and pace for an easy, forgettable but fun story. The characters play on classic archetypes but inject some fresh perspectives to keep the story from being a re-tread of any number of classic themes. The decent writing and crisp prose keeps the story as a cute, entertaining read but light enough that the relationship between the men never really develops any intensity or angst.

The extended summary above g...more I read this short novella while waiting for my plane to take off so it was the perfect size and pace for an easy, forgettable but fun story. The characters play on classic archetypes but inject some fresh perspectives to keep the story from being a re-tread of any number of classic themes. The decent writing and crisp prose keeps the story as a cute, entertaining read but light enough that the relationship between the men never really develops any intensity or angst.

The extended summary above gives the basis for the story. Ben is set up on a lunch date with a popular TV star whom turns out to be a homophobic ass. However Mitch has a good reason for his behavior and sets out to make things right between them. The spark of attraction both felt is something Mitch is determined to explore and he quietly courts the young bookseller.

As I’ve said this is an easy and light read that is pretty entertaining. The beginning scenes with Ben and his partner are funny and when Mitch is finally introduced as an ass, the encounter is reminiscent of many Hollywood tales. The story takes a bit of a turn though when Mitch admits that he’s only ever been gay for one man in the past and he’s not sure what it means to be attracted to Ben. Mitch is a strong personality and doesn’t let anything or anyone get in the way of a potential connection so after his initial bad behavior, he is determined to be with Ben. He doesn’t worry about the ramifications and is willing to take any and all risks to ensure his connection to the other man is explored. This is a refreshing change, even if an unusual one, and allows Ben to be the one with doubts and misgivings.

The characters are well developed and each has reasons and context for their behavior. There are various secondary characters that move in and out of the story from Ben’s partner to Mitch’s publicist and although each is funny and interesting in their own way, none are that important as the focus is on Ben and Mitch. The short length of the story doesn’t allow for much focus on after their initial relationship starts. For example, there are several problems and complications the two would face being together such as Mitch’s fame, Ben’s Family, their work but all of it is virtually ignored and glossed over with a neat bow in the epilogue. Instead the novella just introduces the men, gives them a lot of hot sex scenes and leaves the reader with a happy ending.

As a fast, breezy story with some fun themes, this story delivered and was exactly what I wanted at the time. This isn’t a heavy, intense angst but if you’re looking for an entertaining story with well matched men, think about checking out this particular story.
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Aug 13, 2009 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This book caught my attention for two reasons. Firstly because one of the heroes is a famous person and I have a secret soft spot for a character who is famous - hence my love of the "Heaven Sent" books by Jet Mykles as well as the film "Notting Hill". Secondly, I thought the initial premise was a bit different. Our heroes meet when Ben, through a gift from a friend, wins dinner with Mitch, a famous television actor. Now personally, I can't think of a worst gift. I would hate having to meet a st...more This book caught my attention for two reasons. Firstly because one of the heroes is a famous person and I have a secret soft spot for a character who is famous - hence my love of the "Heaven Sent" books by Jet Mykles as well as the film "Notting Hill". Secondly, I thought the initial premise was a bit different. Our heroes meet when Ben, through a gift from a friend, wins dinner with Mitch, a famous television actor. Now personally, I can't think of a worst gift. I would hate having to meet a stranger and have dinner with them, even if they are famous, even if it were David Tennant (actually, no, I would go if it were David Tennant). Imagine how awkward and stilted the conversation would be. Anyway, Mitch behaves like an arrogant prig and Ben ends up leaving during the main course.

Of course there's a reason why Mitch behaved like he did and afterwards he feels contrite and contacts Ben again to make it up - and boy do they make it up!

I really enjoyed this novella. I liked watching the two guys getting to know each other, facing past hurts and learning to trust despite the rough start. Kate Steele's use of language was simple and effective, and her characters were likeable - there were no flamboyant heroes, just real men with real feelings. It was refreshing to read about two men who were just, well, normal. The length of the story left little room for other characters but those who did appear were also rather normal people. There were no cliches or stereotypes here.

If I have any disappointments with the story it was that we didn't get to see how the two men coped with Mitch's fame and the meeting of Ben's family - except for a short 'two years later' chapter at the end of the story. Then again, I suppose this was a novella about the start of a relationship, not a full length novel charting the ups and downs of their lives.

All in all this was a quick, interesting read with great characters and great writing which left you with a feeling of wanting more. I'm giving it a grade of 'Excellent' because I'll surely be reading this again.(less)

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Sep 19, 2009 FloJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fiction

I have only given this 4 stars because it was a bit short. It could easily have had a lot more content without challenging the writer's skills too much. There were quite a few points where it could easily have gone off at a tangent for a while.

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Jul 31, 2011 Sadonna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, pdf, nook

This is a short, cute story about a guy, Ben, who gets a lunch with a TV star, Mitch, as a birthday present from his best friend and business partner. Becca has won an eBay charity auction and decides this would make an excellent gift. Unfortunately things don't go very well at the lunch and it ends up pretty much a bust from Ben's perspective.

Mitch feels bad about how things turned out and there were some extenuating circumstances that led to his bad behavior at the lunch. He and his publicist...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Shana rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-contemporary, fiction-actors, fiction-glbt

Ben is delighted when his partner presents him with lunch with his favorite TV star for his birthday. Unfortunately, Mitch is seemingly nothing like the character he plays on TV, being such an ass that Ben can't escape their awkward meeting soon enough. When Mitch contacts him to apologize for his behavior, it seems too good to be true. Can it really work between a gay bookstore owner and a supposedly straight TV star?

Ben is an affable character, likable enough that it's no struggle to enjoy his...more Ben is delighted when his partner presents him with lunch with his favorite TV star for his birthday. Unfortunately, Mitch is seemingly nothing like the character he plays on TV, being such an ass that Ben can't escape their awkward meeting soon enough. When Mitch contacts him to apologize for his behavior, it seems too good to be true. Can it really work between a gay bookstore owner and a supposedly straight TV star?

Ben is an affable character, likable enough that it's no struggle to enjoy his point of view. I cheered his walking out from lunch with Mitch, but it seemed as though his spine deserted him after that; by the time he left Mitch's house after Mitch's apology, I was wondering what had happened to his self-regard. That parting seemed gratuitous to me, not something I would expect from the grown man I'd been led to believe Ben was.

Mitch never really appealed to me, though I can't pin down why. He was perhaps too good to be true, initial douchebaggery aside, so that I couldn't really identify with him as a character. His traumatic past struck me as unnecessary, or at least built up to an unnecessary degree--again, gratuitous.

Given the length of the story, it's pretty much a given that supporting cast is thin on the ground. Becca was really the only consistent secondary character, and she was never developed beyond the stereotypical super-supportive straight female best friend. A little variance would have been refreshing.

The chemistry between Ben and Mitch was okay, but the sex never really pulled me in. Some ridiculous sex talk didn't really help; I can't read "shoot my wad" and take it seriously. I just can't. I also have to confess to being a bit put off by the description on an erect penis as a stalk. It might be correct by definition, but I can't help but picture said erect penis as rather more green and leafy.

There were a fair number of grammatical errors scattered throughout, though nothing particularly heinous. However, I think there was a sale at the adjective store. One of Ben's orgasms was so overly described as to be ridiculous; I really didn't need that much information about his come. Some of the dialogue was also... weird. I don't understand the conversation at the end of chapter 3 much at all, for example; the allusions could go in so many directions, for all that none of the ones I could come up with struck me as particularly funny.

Not directly related to anything... why is the clean conversation so prevalent? "By the way, I always use a condom and get tested, so I'm clean." "Oh, me, too. I just got tested and also always use condoms. You'll not be catching any vile STDs from me!" Is this part of foreplay to which I've never been introduced? Or does it only apply to gay men? It baffles me, especially when the characters themselves even outright acknowledge it as mood-killing. It's not necessary, it's sure as Hell not hot, so why include it? Are we supposed to assume that any character not having the clean conversation is secretly a festering pit of venereal disease?

For a novella, I took me far too long to finish; once I put it down, it was a struggle to pick it up again. I liked the premise, but I think that the execution has a long way to go.(less)

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Aug 03, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it

This is a very nice novella, it's a bit sexy and naughty but mostly it's romantic and sweet. Ben is a bookstore owner (and also for this chosen career I would have found him nice), but he is not the classical library mouse; he is young, 26 years old, pretty and gay. Apparently he has also no problem to find companionship when he wants, but Ben is now looking only for true love. Even if he has had a bad experience in the past, he still believe in love. Ben's lover left him since Ben wasn't willin...more This is a very nice novella, it's a bit sexy and naughty but mostly it's romantic and sweet. Ben is a bookstore owner (and also for this chosen career I would have found him nice), but he is not the classical library mouse; he is young, 26 years old, pretty and gay. Apparently he has also no problem to find companionship when he wants, but Ben is now looking only for true love. Even if he has had a bad experience in the past, he still believe in love. Ben's lover left him since Ben wasn't willing to have an open relationship; in reaction to the dumping, or maybe to prove to himself that his idea of committed love was stupid, Ben spent months sleeping around, only to awake one day realizing that it wasn't what he wanted. Now Ben prefers to be alone if the man he has in front is nothing serious. But don't get me wrong, Ben is not some hermit, it's less than one year that he took that decision, so maybe, if fate didn't help him, it wouldn't have been long that he maybe reconsider.

Anyway Ben's best friend, Becca, decides to give him a special birthday present, a lunch date with Ben's favorite television star, Mitch. Mitch is really gorgeous and on screen he seems also very nice and with a deep personality. But the day of the appointment, Mitch is sullen and rude, and Ben leaves thinking that it's only true what they say of the stardom. This is probably the best part of the novella: it would have been simple to write a Cinderfella like story, where mousy Ben falls in love, with the big star Mitch, and he is reciprocated. And obviously, being Mitch famous and wealthy, it would have been simple to make him also the strong partner in the relationship.

Instead Mitch is, like often actors are, a man with a lot of complex, with a poor childhood and youth (poor of feelings not of money) and who, like Ben, was burned by love. Mitch is probably acting in life like he is acting on screen: he is trying to avoid some inner questions since he doesn't like the answer. His only long term relationship was with a man, and it was also his only same sex relationship, and it didn't go well. So now Mitch is having only female partners (and few up to all), telling himself that he is bisexual and that he is not attracted to men. For me instead, Mitch's conscience knows that he can fall in love only with a man, and so it avoids to be involved with one so it's not possible to break his heart again.

So there is nice contraposition between Ben and Mitch: Ben is the one with the low profile job, but he is also the one with a better self-esteem and comfortable with his sexuality; Ben has also a supportive family and circle of friends, where Mitch is practically alone. On the other hand, when they are in bed, it's always Mitch who plays the top; more, when it's the moment to be serious and real with their relationship, despite his sexuality issues, it's Mitch who faces the situation with more steadiness and certainty.

To the Highest Bidder is a story that gives more than expected, with two nice characters, very well developed; it has also the type of closing scene I love, where the author gives a glimpse on the couple after their happily ever after.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D9ZLZ0/?...(less)

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Jun 22, 2009 Daisiemae rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who likes a fast paced and sweet M/M Romance

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-book, male-male-romance-erotica, books-read-in-2009, books-reviewed-in-2009

Kate Steele is one of those authors that I automatically buy whatever book she writes. Ironically, she is one of those authors that are either a hit or miss with me. There is usually no in between with her. Her book, To the Highest Bidder has been released for some time. It’s one of the endless books that I have been pushing aside to read others. I am glad I finally decided to give this one a shot, because I really liked it.

Ben Searcy was more than a little shocked when his best friend and busin...more Kate Steele is one of those authors that I automatically buy whatever book she writes. Ironically, she is one of those authors that are either a hit or miss with me. There is usually no in between with her. Her book, To the Highest Bidder has been released for some time. It’s one of the endless books that I have been pushing aside to read others. I am glad I finally decided to give this one a shot, because I really liked it.

Ben Searcy was more than a little shocked when his best friend and business partner, decided to surprise him for his birthday by winning a lunch date with one of his favorite actors Mitch DeSantis. Just coming out of an unsuccessful relationship not too long ago, he is ready to go out and enjoy himself in the company of a very attractive man. Even if he is straight.

To Ben’s dismay, Mitch turns out to be a total jerk, and he ends up leaving shortly after they sat down to eat. Who would have thought Mitch, who normally has a reputation as being a nice man, ended up being such a homophobic jackass?

As soon as Mitch laid eyes on Ben he knew he was in trouble. First he was roped into this dinner for charity, then he finds out his ex-boyfriend is getting married right before he meets Ben. Unfortunately for Ben, he took out his anger and frustration on the attractive man. As soon as Ben abruptly left, Mitch was almost immediately contrite, and decided to make it up to Ben by going to his business to apologize and with an offer to cook him a home cooked meal.

As soon as Mitch walked into his shop, Ben’s first instinct was to tell Mitch to go play in heavy traffic. But, the more Mitch apologizes and the more Ben is around Mitch he soon discovers that Mitch just might be not only a nice guy, but the man of his dreams after all. But, will Mitch feel the same way?

I liked this book. It’s got a strong storyline, interesting characters, steamy sex scenes and a very happy ending, which I loved. It doesn’t have a lot of angst in it. So if you like your book real angsty, this one may not be for you. Once they become friendly with one another, they are pretty much attached to each other from that point on without any more conflict. It was a very sweet romance and a great escape on a hot summer’s day!

Solid 4 Stars
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Jun 13, 2012 Gianthogweed marked it as dnf

Shelves: contemporary-m-m, contemporary, m-m

Mh, so

While he’d managed to enjoy the story line, he still had difficulty reconciling the affable, easygoing man on the television screen with the supercilious, unsmiling jackass who’d shared that restaurant booth with him. It seemed Mitch DeSantis, and the character he played, were as different as night and day.

Thankfully, Ben didn't win a lunch with Tim Curry: it would have been a huge shock to find out that he doesn't kill children dressed as a drag queen.

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Apr 05, 2012 jules0623 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: celebrity, relationship-m-m, enemies-to-lovers-or-hate-sex, favorites, gay-for-you, engagements-and-wedding-bells

I love this premise and, after reading several stories in a row where the story didn't live up to the blurb, I was thrilled that this one worked.

The MCs are sweet, even Mitch who is an utter prick to Ben when they first meet. He comes back and apologises and heat happens! The sex is steaming in this, and the boys make a real connection, both emotionally and physically.

This was a funny, sweet, sexy story. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, light read.

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Apr 23, 2010 Ami rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance-or-erotica

This book, in a way, reminds me of "Notting Hill" -- and I love that movie so much. Here we have a famous TV star and a bookstore owner as well. I think, for a novella, this one is written wonderfully. I must admit, when Ben meets Mitch for the first time, I want to slap Mitch for being an arrogant prick. But the story flows nicely, explaining Mitch's behavior ... and well, the epilogue in the end is just lovely.

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Sep 03, 2011 Lutawolf rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I loved it! Beyond being funny and cute it was well written. She gives you full character details, along with well written book details. I think the fact that the MC acted like an ass only added to the story. Who wants perfect characters? The connection between the MC could have been better, I kind of felt like all the talking in the sex took away rather than added a solid connection but I still felt it. I truely loved this book :)

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Apr 01, 2011 Cole Riann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-contemporary, m-m-famous

The first two thirds of this book were wonderful. The characters had a great chemistry -- that is, until they fell into bed, when the story got pretty boring and their interactions became too sweet with not much substance. I ended up skimming the last short bit of the story.

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Jul 31, 2010 Nene rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, gfy, m-m, gayromlit2011

This was just what I needed today. A great romance! Isn't falling in love with one of our favorite actors a fantasty for many of us? The author captured that so well here. *blissful sigh*

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Jan 17, 2013 Ayanna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Not a bad read. The premise and execution are solid, if a bit pedestrian. It did ring a little hollow, though. Perhaps it was its brevity working against it.

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Feb 07, 2010 Shin rated it 4 of 5 stars

The characters and their interaction were very interesting, there's nothing like some good bickering to bring up the sexual tension. The realization that his idol is actually not like in the movies was a nice trait, since this is usually the reality of things. It was intriguing to see this story exploit that aspect of fame.
I really loved it but it was cut much, much too short. The story ended just when it felt like it was starting. We get some time skip as an epilogue to keep us from whining too...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Tʀɪsʜᴀ Hᴀʀʀɪɴɢᴛᴏɴ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: loved, famous-character-s

Loved this. Sweet and short. But it had two lovely MC's and I just fell in love with it. The epilogue was even better. Highly recommend this short story. :)

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May 06, 2011 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved it - short but perfectly told :)

Characters are really well written.

Plot is obvious but still really enjoyable

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Mar 03, 2010 Ike rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked the story but the book was way too short..... I was just starting to love the characters when the book ended.

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Feb 27, 2010 Teresa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

Fine, fast read; unchallenging, predictable, but fun with it.

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May 15, 2011 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance

I really liked this book. I thought it was cute.

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Jul 28, 2010 Nicci rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, contemporary-romance, kindle-lendables

Short story, sweet and romantic.

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Nov 18, 2009 Jen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cute. 3.5 out of 5.

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Jun 16, 2012 Vio rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Vio by: Simsala*is getting slow*

Shelves: its-good, likeable-characters, passionate

3.5 stars
What makes this so good is the attraction that Ben and Mitch have for each other. Yeah their initial date turns into a disaster Mitch is a jerk and up himself, proclaiming bullshit at the time. Eventually Mitch comes around and persists in taking Ben out again, spending time together, getting a feel for each other. It made me feel good, I am happy its a lovely, sweet story and nicely written.

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Mar 31, 2012 Nikko rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fluffy, favourites

I love this book!!

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Jul 04, 2012 Candice rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angst-free, sweet

3.5 stars

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Nov 11, 2011 OkayKim rated it 4 of 5 stars

First time I read it, must have been in a hurry. The second time though, I wondered why it was rated a 3 instead of a 4. Not a bad story, once you take the time to really read it.

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Oct 13, 2009 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books

Cute story about a not-quite-snob-probably actor, and his surprise romance with bookstore owner. I love the whole contest-part (and the aftermath).

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About Kate Steele

Having been an avid reader of romance for years, and being possessed of an overactive imagination, Kate decided only recently to try her hand at writing. She discovered that, like reading, writing romance has become addictive. Whether writing about werewolves and otherworldly creatures or contemporary gay/erotic romance, she has found the perfect outlet and is thrilled to be part of the Ellora's C...more

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Books by Kate Steele

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