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Laced #1
Laced in Malice
Behind the creepy castle like exterior of Birchtree academy is the sound of gossip, back stabbing and malice. When Zara’s dad takes on the new principle job at the elite boarding school, Zara knows she’ll be an outsider. She dreams of true love and marriage instead of possible frenemies and secrets. Definitely not Birchtree material.
In the cusp of everything are the twins. Oliver and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Nixon are renowned for their different – yet equally effective – methods of torture. And both have their eyes set on goody, goody Zara. Oliver wants to date her and Lizzie wants to befriend her?
At first, Zara is caught in the Nixon’s spell, but it’s not long until cracks begin to show through their dazzling façade. An anonymous email account, which targets students with their own secrets, has focused it’s energy on Zara using weapons only the Nixon’s could have provided. But have they turned on her? Is there a hidden agenda behind Lizzie’s interest in Zara? It’ll take four months, three warnings, two released sex tapes, and one dead body for Zara to finally learn the truth. And the truth can either destroy the boy she’s fallen for – and his twin sister – or save them both.
In the cusp of everything are the twins. Oliver and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Nixon are renowned for their different – yet equally effective – methods of torture. And both have their eyes set on goody, goody Zara. Oliver wants to date her and Lizzie wants to befriend her?
At first, Zara is caught in the Nixon’s spell, but it’s not long until cracks begin to show through their dazzling façade. An anonymous email account, which targets students with their own secrets, has focused it’s energy on Zara using weapons only the Nixon’s could have provided. But have they turned on her? Is there a hidden agenda behind Lizzie’s interest in Zara? It’ll take four months, three warnings, two released sex tapes, and one dead body for Zara to finally learn the truth. And the truth can either destroy the boy she’s fallen for – and his twin sister – or save them both.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2012
1 person is currently reading
899 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 26, 2012
Remember the first time you watched CRUEL INTENTIONS? The way Sebastian made you feel all warm and cold inside, all at the same time? I do, because my BFF and I wrote Sebastian fanfiction for years after the fact (true story, y'all--it's actually on Fanfiction.net, I think). Well, LACED IN MALICE is CRUEL INTENTIONS meets GOSSIP GIRL set in the United Kingdom. And you guys, this book is fucking amazing.
It's 1:15 in the morning, and my head is reeling (in a good way) from reading this book. LACED IN MALICE (which I will affectionately call LIM from this point on) is about a girl named Zara who heads off to a boarding school where her dad is the new principal. There she meets Oliver and Lizzie Nixon, the former principal's children. The Nixon twins are wealthy, beautiful, and total bad news. And Zara finds herself caught up with them--as Lizzie's best friend and Oliver's newest, most difficult conquest.
I had a hate-him-while-I-love-the-hell-out-of-him relationship with Oliver at some points while I was reading. Of course, every time I read one of those scenes that made me want to slap him across the gorgeous face, I had to remind myself this:
And just so you know, Oliver wasn't the only awesome thing about LIM. There was some of this:
And this:
And some of this:
But most importantly, this:
To sum it up, LIM is full of twists and turns, and I felt like someone was tugging on my heart toward the end. I love this novel. I love Zara and Oliver, even though he's fucked up. I need more. ASAP.
It's 1:15 in the morning, and my head is reeling (in a good way) from reading this book. LACED IN MALICE (which I will affectionately call LIM from this point on) is about a girl named Zara who heads off to a boarding school where her dad is the new principal. There she meets Oliver and Lizzie Nixon, the former principal's children. The Nixon twins are wealthy, beautiful, and total bad news. And Zara finds herself caught up with them--as Lizzie's best friend and Oliver's newest, most difficult conquest.
I had a hate-him-while-I-love-the-hell-out-of-him relationship with Oliver at some points while I was reading. Of course, every time I read one of those scenes that made me want to slap him across the gorgeous face, I had to remind myself this:
And just so you know, Oliver wasn't the only awesome thing about LIM. There was some of this:
And this:
And some of this:
But most importantly, this:
To sum it up, LIM is full of twists and turns, and I felt like someone was tugging on my heart toward the end. I love this novel. I love Zara and Oliver, even though he's fucked up. I need more. ASAP.
November 1, 2012
So, I haven't been too keen on YA books lately, but Ms. Gray certainly showed me what I was missing!!
Love, loved Laced in Malice!! There's so much here to love!! It's like the love child of Mean Girls and Cruel Intentions with some mystery thrown in. Even though it's set in HS, it could still reach into the New Adult genre, and there's certainly some steamy times to be had!!
Oliver...oh what to say about naughty Oliver?
He could be such an ass. One minute you wanted to slap him, and then the next he was so endearing you wanted to hug him up or do something potentially naughty!! There is a such a depth to his character.
There were so many times in the novel that the antics of Lizzie and company made me feel this way
She is like Regina George and Catherine from Cruel Intentions on mega steroids!!
I won't say a lot in my review bc I don't want to spoil a lot for you.
Love, loved Laced in Malice!! There's so much here to love!! It's like the love child of Mean Girls and Cruel Intentions with some mystery thrown in. Even though it's set in HS, it could still reach into the New Adult genre, and there's certainly some steamy times to be had!!
Oliver...oh what to say about naughty Oliver?
He could be such an ass. One minute you wanted to slap him, and then the next he was so endearing you wanted to hug him up or do something potentially naughty!! There is a such a depth to his character.
There were so many times in the novel that the antics of Lizzie and company made me feel this way
She is like Regina George and Catherine from Cruel Intentions on mega steroids!!
I won't say a lot in my review bc I don't want to spoil a lot for you.
November 24, 2012
3.5 stars! I have never watched Mean Girls, nor have I seen Cruel Intensions and I think I watched a few episodes of Gossip Girl… so I am not totally getting the comparison some of the other readers have made to these shows and movie. However, I do recognize and appreciate the ‘cruel intentions’ in this book and have to say I think the author did a mighty fine job with her debut novel.
I really liked and felt for Zara and by the end of this book my heart broke for Oliver. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see what becomes of Lizzie and her issues and if Oliver and Zara can survive through it all.
Side note: Is it just me or is the young adult genre getting a bit more racy? This is the second book this week I read with under 18 year olds having hot sex and lots of it. Hmm… maybe since I have a soon to be 17 year old son; I just want to be an ostrich and pretend he does not know about this trend… want to leave it with my fictional characters.
The Mother of a teenage boy:
I really liked and felt for Zara and by the end of this book my heart broke for Oliver. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see what becomes of Lizzie and her issues and if Oliver and Zara can survive through it all.
Side note: Is it just me or is the young adult genre getting a bit more racy? This is the second book this week I read with under 18 year olds having hot sex and lots of it. Hmm… maybe since I have a soon to be 17 year old son; I just want to be an ostrich and pretend he does not know about this trend… want to leave it with my fictional characters.
The Mother of a teenage boy:
Want to read
November 7, 2012Did I mention how much I love books that take place in boarding school? I think we need more of that in YA! The setting was perfect for this book. JUST PERFECT.
The few reviews that I've read has said that they've fallen in love with Oliver. I was so so excited to read about him because as you all know, I'm a huge fan of bad boys and full on sexual tension. Unforetunately, I was a bit unimpressed with the guy. Yes, he's a bad boy, but unlike some bad boys I love (coughDaemoncough), Oliver was pretty flat next to them.
I had lots of ups and downs with the main female character, Zara. I really liked her, but then her naivity and her stupidity kinda got to me after a while. I mean, come on girl, the evidence is right there and you're believing your stupid mean bitch fake bestfriend?? I wanna slap both of you right now. I know some people in real life will still side with their besfriend even if they've done something wrong, but with this big of a 'mistake', well I think you have to step up.
Lizzie is one of my most hated characters ever. I would be here forever typing out why, so I won't even bother. Just want to let you know: I HATE LIZZIE'S GUTS.
I have to admit that certain scenes kinda got a bit more descriptive and graphic. Now, I wouldn't have any problem with that if this was a new adult or an adult book, but for a young adult, I thought it was a bit much. I personally didn't mind it, but others might say differently.
I loved plot, the pace was perfect, the writing alright but I couldn't stop reading. It was very addicting and unputdownable. Read this in one sitting! Anyway, the whole thing about The Voice reminded me of Gossip Girl which I LOVED.
I guess one of the things that bothered me was how at the start and throughout the middle of the book, our MC, Zara was very innocent and a bit of a prude, and then after that she changed drastically into someone who does this and that with Oliver by the end. Since I'm not like that kinda person, I DON'T know if this is realistic. Might be, might be not.
I can't wait for the sequel! I need to know what happened and I would like to be a character int this series so I can punch Lizzie myself. Yes, please!
Overall if you're looking for a fun, bitchy kinda book, you better give LACED IN MALICE a go :).
October 23, 2012
This book rocks!! There's some sexy, sexy tension!! :D
September 15, 2015
*This review does contain spoilers; although, they aren’t really spoilers if you’ve seen Cruel Intentions. Regardless, check yourself before you wreck yourself.*
It’s kind of hard for me to review this book – I love the story line, I really do, but it’s too familiar. Cruel Intentions has been one of my favorite movies since the day I first saw it, and I knew after reading the synopsis for Laced in Malice that it would be a similar plot; I just didn’t realize how alike it would be. Sure, there are a few tweaks but overall, it just seemed to me that this book was Cruel Intentions in book format.
Here’s a brief rundown for you: Zara’s father accepts the position of principal at a prestigious boarding school, which she is will now be attending. Before she arrived on campus, she gave an interview to the school magazine that explained her stance on abstaining from sex until marriage, and she prided herself on the fact that she was still a virgin. Enter the Nixon twins: Lizzie and Oliver. Lizzie seems picture perfect on the outside, and immediately befriends Zara, while her twin brother, Oliver, continually tries to charm the pants of Zara – literally. It soon becomes clear the twins have ulterior motives for their actions with Zara, and everyone can see that...except her.
Now yes, there are a few differences between Laced in Malice and Cruel Intentions, but not many. When I started this book, I was hoping for a similar idea with a different direction, but (and this is just my opinion) what I got was a knockoff of a movie. I just wish the author had put more original concepts in this story, and then maybe I would have been able to enjoy it a little more. I just don’t like reading a book feeling like I’ve already seen the movie, when in fact; it’s a book that’s not even supposed to tie to a movie.
Here are a few examples of the similarities to support my opinion: (The character names in Laced in Malice are Zara, Oliver, and Lizzie; in Cruel Intentions, they are Annette, Sebastian, and Kathryn)
1. The characters are essentially the same: Zara and Annette are both virgins who did an interview with a magazine pledging their vow of abstinence, and the importance of love and marriage before sex. Oliver and Sebastian are both womanizing, man whores that sleep with pretty much anyone, and then try to convince the virgin on campus that sex isn’t that big of a deal. Lizzie and Kathryn are both essentially the ringleaders; they have ridiculous control over their brothers, pretend to have a tremendous amount of faith in God, and on the outside they look like the model student.
2. Journals: Sebastian keeps a journal, Oliver keeps journals. Sebastian ends up giving his journal to Annette to read, hoping it will explain why he did what he did. Oliver ends up giving his journals to Zara to read, hoping it will explain why he did what he did. The notes that accompany the journals are awfully similar as well, but I don’t really feel like typing out both of them. Just know...they’re similar.
3. The hypocrite speech: Sebastian and Oliver both give a nice little speech where they call Annette and Zara hypocrites. They’re not identical, but pretty freaking close. Check out the comparison:
Sebastian to Annette: “You spend all your time preaching about waiting for love. Well here it is. Right in front you, and you’re going to turn your back on it. So I guess we’re just fucked. I’ll move on. But you’re going to have to live the rest of your life knowing that you’ve turned your back on love. And that makes you a hypocrite. Have a nice life.”
Oliver to Zara: “You’re a hypocrite, you know. You go on and on about waiting to find someone and love and intimacy and then when you finally find what you say you’ve been looking for, you run the other way. You did this to me, Zara. You made me fall for you and now I’m not good enough? You know what, screw you.”
4. The escalator scene: Anyone who has seen Cruel Intentions knows exactly what scene I’m talking about. It’s quite possibly the best...and most memorable scene of the entire movie. It gives me chills every time. I love it. And that scene is duplicated almost exactly in Laced in Malice, even the dialogue is the same!
Cruel Intentions: Annette says, “I’m impressed,” to which Sebastian replies, “Well, I’m in love.”
Laced in Malice: Zara says, “Well, I’m impressed at least,” to which Oliver replies, “Well, I’m in love. With you.”
That scene was what irked me more than anything. How are you going to copy the dialogue and just add a few extra words?! Gaaaah, it drove me nuts! It was after that when I started to get really annoyed with the lack of originality; luckily I only had about 4% of the book left.
Ultimately, I gave it three stars because the book itself was well written and Riley Gray obviously has talent as an author. I wish I could rate it higher, I really do, but the fact that it seems to just be a knockoff of Cruel Intentions bummed me out. You can’t top that movie, or even match it content wise, in my opinion. It appears Riley may be veering from the movie plot in the next book of the series, which would be pleasing; regardless, I’ll still read the sequel and hopefully I can produce a more positive review the second time around.
It’s kind of hard for me to review this book – I love the story line, I really do, but it’s too familiar. Cruel Intentions has been one of my favorite movies since the day I first saw it, and I knew after reading the synopsis for Laced in Malice that it would be a similar plot; I just didn’t realize how alike it would be. Sure, there are a few tweaks but overall, it just seemed to me that this book was Cruel Intentions in book format.
Here’s a brief rundown for you: Zara’s father accepts the position of principal at a prestigious boarding school, which she is will now be attending. Before she arrived on campus, she gave an interview to the school magazine that explained her stance on abstaining from sex until marriage, and she prided herself on the fact that she was still a virgin. Enter the Nixon twins: Lizzie and Oliver. Lizzie seems picture perfect on the outside, and immediately befriends Zara, while her twin brother, Oliver, continually tries to charm the pants of Zara – literally. It soon becomes clear the twins have ulterior motives for their actions with Zara, and everyone can see that...except her.
Now yes, there are a few differences between Laced in Malice and Cruel Intentions, but not many. When I started this book, I was hoping for a similar idea with a different direction, but (and this is just my opinion) what I got was a knockoff of a movie. I just wish the author had put more original concepts in this story, and then maybe I would have been able to enjoy it a little more. I just don’t like reading a book feeling like I’ve already seen the movie, when in fact; it’s a book that’s not even supposed to tie to a movie.
Here are a few examples of the similarities to support my opinion: (The character names in Laced in Malice are Zara, Oliver, and Lizzie; in Cruel Intentions, they are Annette, Sebastian, and Kathryn)
1. The characters are essentially the same: Zara and Annette are both virgins who did an interview with a magazine pledging their vow of abstinence, and the importance of love and marriage before sex. Oliver and Sebastian are both womanizing, man whores that sleep with pretty much anyone, and then try to convince the virgin on campus that sex isn’t that big of a deal. Lizzie and Kathryn are both essentially the ringleaders; they have ridiculous control over their brothers, pretend to have a tremendous amount of faith in God, and on the outside they look like the model student.
2. Journals: Sebastian keeps a journal, Oliver keeps journals. Sebastian ends up giving his journal to Annette to read, hoping it will explain why he did what he did. Oliver ends up giving his journals to Zara to read, hoping it will explain why he did what he did. The notes that accompany the journals are awfully similar as well, but I don’t really feel like typing out both of them. Just know...they’re similar.
3. The hypocrite speech: Sebastian and Oliver both give a nice little speech where they call Annette and Zara hypocrites. They’re not identical, but pretty freaking close. Check out the comparison:
Sebastian to Annette: “You spend all your time preaching about waiting for love. Well here it is. Right in front you, and you’re going to turn your back on it. So I guess we’re just fucked. I’ll move on. But you’re going to have to live the rest of your life knowing that you’ve turned your back on love. And that makes you a hypocrite. Have a nice life.”
Oliver to Zara: “You’re a hypocrite, you know. You go on and on about waiting to find someone and love and intimacy and then when you finally find what you say you’ve been looking for, you run the other way. You did this to me, Zara. You made me fall for you and now I’m not good enough? You know what, screw you.”
4. The escalator scene: Anyone who has seen Cruel Intentions knows exactly what scene I’m talking about. It’s quite possibly the best...and most memorable scene of the entire movie. It gives me chills every time. I love it. And that scene is duplicated almost exactly in Laced in Malice, even the dialogue is the same!
Cruel Intentions: Annette says, “I’m impressed,” to which Sebastian replies, “Well, I’m in love.”
Laced in Malice: Zara says, “Well, I’m impressed at least,” to which Oliver replies, “Well, I’m in love. With you.”
That scene was what irked me more than anything. How are you going to copy the dialogue and just add a few extra words?! Gaaaah, it drove me nuts! It was after that when I started to get really annoyed with the lack of originality; luckily I only had about 4% of the book left.
Ultimately, I gave it three stars because the book itself was well written and Riley Gray obviously has talent as an author. I wish I could rate it higher, I really do, but the fact that it seems to just be a knockoff of Cruel Intentions bummed me out. You can’t top that movie, or even match it content wise, in my opinion. It appears Riley may be veering from the movie plot in the next book of the series, which would be pleasing; regardless, I’ll still read the sequel and hopefully I can produce a more positive review the second time around.
June 10, 2013
Rarely does a book surprise me as much as Riley Gray's Laced In Malice did. In the ten minutes it took me to read the first chapter, I was hooked. By what, you ask? The descriptive train ride through the English countryside? Umm...no. By the main character's texts with her mum? Aside: even though I'm not English, I have an itching desire to start using the word Mum. Definitely no. By the sexy, leather clad, cigarette-smoking hotty who got a nice verbal backhand from the MC when he propositioned her for a quickie. *insert shifty eyebrows* Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner.
In a nutshell, I think guys who sleep around and use women are creepy (doesn't everybody?). But I loved that Gray was able to take this stock character, the man whore, and change him into something real. Oliver comes across as intelligent, not just because he's in the highest classes but because *gasp* Gray actually makes him sound intelligent! He actually has a well-thought out explanation for why casual sex is okay. Now, I'm not saying that I bought his excuses, I'm saying that Gray made me believe that he believed them. And in the process, like Zara, I was eager for him to see how wrong he was. Everything else about Oliver puts him in the "yes please" category. He was charming, polite, a writer (GOD yes!!), and knowing that I was going to see this sexy and intelligent young man change his tune hooked me to the story. But I don't want to leave you thinking that Oliver didn't make me want to pull my hair out or slap him silly because I did want to do both those things at various points in the story. And in the end, I wasn't entirely sure of his motivations. I kept flip-flopping, was he really just into Zara because she was an unattainable conquest or did he honestly care about her? Was he a victim too or was he hiding something BIG? I'm not going to give the story away, but I will say that Gray did an excellent job of giving his character enough depth that I loved him even while I was never 100% sure of him.
Now, Zara. Admittedly, she comes across as a goody two shoes (as it says in the summary), but she also had a tongue on her that I admired. She could give it back to Oliver just as easily as he gave it to her. I was rooting for her from the start. But there were moments in the story where I was scratching my head and wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her so she'd wake up. Thankfully, a few chapters after I had that moment of thinking, 'you're so stupid', she had me questioning whether I was the one who had to be shaken awake. Zara was too trustworthy, but at the same time, she made me realize that I am too. I asked myself, if I were in Zara's shoes would I have tried to brush aside my misgivings about the people I called friends? Would I have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt? Sadly, the answer is probably yes. I am, like Zara, a bit naive. The good thing is that I like characters who can make me see flaws in my own, and Zara did this, so two thumbs up for her.
Together: so here's a bit of analysis that I hope will give you an extra incentive to buy this book. 50 Shades of Gray. I haven't read it. I have no desire to read it. But I have read countless discussions of it, and there's one thing they all seem to agree on. The plot line of the girl turning a guy around and making him into a worthy man is the success of that book (well along with the sex and I'll get to that in a moment). I think the same could be said of Laced In Malice. I was so so eager to see Zara turn Oliver around or for them to come to some sort of middle ground. Like I said, I'm not a 50 Shades fan, nor do I want to be one, but if you're looking for a toned-down version of that book, and a better written one, then I say look no further. Laced in Malice delivers.
The sex. Well, I had to bring this up because of the 50 Shades reference above, and I want to be fair both to the author and to my readers. Individually, I'd say that I've come across scenes in other young adult books that are just as intense as the ones here. The difference I think comes with the fact that there are more scenes of this type in Laced In Malice. It is not erotica by any means, but it does give the book a heavier sexual draw than most other young adult books I've read. I hate to put an age limit on books, but for those who want to know what it's like, that pretty much sums it up.
I feel like all I've talked about is the relationship between Zara and Oliver, and while that was a driving force as to why I loved this book and read it in one day, it wasn't the only one. I really loved the mystery/thriller aspect that Gray set up. I had my suspicions as to what was happening, but I was never 100% sure of who to trust. Like I said above, I kept flip flopping. Back and forth. Back and forth. I don't think I've gotten sea sick by a book before, but this one gave me that experience! Others have mentioned a likeness to Cruel Intentions or Mean Girls. I've never seen either of movies and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad one. Maybe if you have seen them, knowing this is similar will draw you in. If not, then consider yourself in for a treat?
Finally... the ending! GAH!!!!!! MISS GRAY, YOU HAD BETTER SET YOUR BUTT DOWN AND START WRITING THE SEQUEL!!! Yes, I can say that because she's a friend of mine, but that in no way taints my review. Those who know me know that I'm stingy with my 5 stars, and Laced In Malice deserves them all.
Summary: five stars.
In a nutshell, I think guys who sleep around and use women are creepy (doesn't everybody?). But I loved that Gray was able to take this stock character, the man whore, and change him into something real. Oliver comes across as intelligent, not just because he's in the highest classes but because *gasp* Gray actually makes him sound intelligent! He actually has a well-thought out explanation for why casual sex is okay. Now, I'm not saying that I bought his excuses, I'm saying that Gray made me believe that he believed them. And in the process, like Zara, I was eager for him to see how wrong he was. Everything else about Oliver puts him in the "yes please" category. He was charming, polite, a writer (GOD yes!!), and knowing that I was going to see this sexy and intelligent young man change his tune hooked me to the story. But I don't want to leave you thinking that Oliver didn't make me want to pull my hair out or slap him silly because I did want to do both those things at various points in the story. And in the end, I wasn't entirely sure of his motivations. I kept flip-flopping, was he really just into Zara because she was an unattainable conquest or did he honestly care about her? Was he a victim too or was he hiding something BIG? I'm not going to give the story away, but I will say that Gray did an excellent job of giving his character enough depth that I loved him even while I was never 100% sure of him.
Now, Zara. Admittedly, she comes across as a goody two shoes (as it says in the summary), but she also had a tongue on her that I admired. She could give it back to Oliver just as easily as he gave it to her. I was rooting for her from the start. But there were moments in the story where I was scratching my head and wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake her so she'd wake up. Thankfully, a few chapters after I had that moment of thinking, 'you're so stupid', she had me questioning whether I was the one who had to be shaken awake. Zara was too trustworthy, but at the same time, she made me realize that I am too. I asked myself, if I were in Zara's shoes would I have tried to brush aside my misgivings about the people I called friends? Would I have tried to give them the benefit of the doubt? Sadly, the answer is probably yes. I am, like Zara, a bit naive. The good thing is that I like characters who can make me see flaws in my own, and Zara did this, so two thumbs up for her.
Together: so here's a bit of analysis that I hope will give you an extra incentive to buy this book. 50 Shades of Gray. I haven't read it. I have no desire to read it. But I have read countless discussions of it, and there's one thing they all seem to agree on. The plot line of the girl turning a guy around and making him into a worthy man is the success of that book (well along with the sex and I'll get to that in a moment). I think the same could be said of Laced In Malice. I was so so eager to see Zara turn Oliver around or for them to come to some sort of middle ground. Like I said, I'm not a 50 Shades fan, nor do I want to be one, but if you're looking for a toned-down version of that book, and a better written one, then I say look no further. Laced in Malice delivers.
The sex. Well, I had to bring this up because of the 50 Shades reference above, and I want to be fair both to the author and to my readers. Individually, I'd say that I've come across scenes in other young adult books that are just as intense as the ones here. The difference I think comes with the fact that there are more scenes of this type in Laced In Malice. It is not erotica by any means, but it does give the book a heavier sexual draw than most other young adult books I've read. I hate to put an age limit on books, but for those who want to know what it's like, that pretty much sums it up.
I feel like all I've talked about is the relationship between Zara and Oliver, and while that was a driving force as to why I loved this book and read it in one day, it wasn't the only one. I really loved the mystery/thriller aspect that Gray set up. I had my suspicions as to what was happening, but I was never 100% sure of who to trust. Like I said above, I kept flip flopping. Back and forth. Back and forth. I don't think I've gotten sea sick by a book before, but this one gave me that experience! Others have mentioned a likeness to Cruel Intentions or Mean Girls. I've never seen either of movies and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad one. Maybe if you have seen them, knowing this is similar will draw you in. If not, then consider yourself in for a treat?
Finally... the ending! GAH!!!!!! MISS GRAY, YOU HAD BETTER SET YOUR BUTT DOWN AND START WRITING THE SEQUEL!!! Yes, I can say that because she's a friend of mine, but that in no way taints my review. Those who know me know that I'm stingy with my 5 stars, and Laced In Malice deserves them all.
Summary: five stars.
November 30, 2012
LOVED THIS ONE!!! Full Review to come.
A-MAZING!!!
Laced in Malice is the perfect example of why I love the fact that I own a Kindle. I first heard about this debut from Wendy Higgins on her blog. Riley helps Wendy with the British lingo in her work.
While I'm not a huge fan of the cover, it does do a great job at foreshadowing the tone of the book- it's dark, and a lot of the characters in this book are twisted- I'm glad I went to good ol' Public School haha. There's one scene (or incident) in particular that I found myself disgusted with in this book, Zara seemed appalled by it as well, but NO ONE took any action over it- rape is a serious matter, no matter WHO is the attacker and I'm disappointed in all the characters in this book for passing the incident over like it was just a cruel prank, and further continuing on to bully the victim instead. Needless to say, this upset me a bit.
I've seen many reviews comparing this title to the movie, Cruel Intentions and rightfully so, this book reads a lot like fan fiction to that film, but keep in mind Cruel Intentions was a remake itself.
I was conflicted with Zara a bit- I like that she has strong morals but at the same time I wanted to smack her for being so weak when it came to Oliver (not that I could really blame her). I actually was shocked at the amount of sex that went on at this Private School, I mean just because you're 17 and haven't had sex doesn't make you a goody goody. I don't recommend this read to those under the age of 16, there's tons of sexual dialogue and content. Riley certainly knows how to write some sexy times, let me tell you.
And she also knows how to write some complex characters, especially the famous Nixon twins! Liz is not at all who she portrays herself to be, and as a reader you just want to smack her, but she has more going than what is portrayed on the surface, leading you to empathize with her- although I still hold her accountable for A LOT of things.
Oliver, *que sigh* he is so Ryan Phillip in Cruel Intentions big time womanizer, that no one can tame, until now at least. You want to smack him a lot of the time for the way he treats Zara, but than you get butterflies in the pit of your stomach for the way he treats Zara. If this last statements seems confusing that's because Oliver is such an enigma, but one I fell for never-the-less. There's another beau on the hunt for Zara's heart, but we're not entirely sure of his intentions, yet.
If for no other reason, you must read this one for the steamy chemistry that Riley has created between Zara and Ollie- it's A-MAZING!!!
I think I've gone on long enough with this one, if you love a complicated romance with steamy scenes, than definitely give LACED IN MALICE a try. It was like kindle crack for me, I keep going back to the same few scenes over and over haha. Book #2 please!
Happy Reading!!!
A-MAZING!!!
Laced in Malice is the perfect example of why I love the fact that I own a Kindle. I first heard about this debut from Wendy Higgins on her blog. Riley helps Wendy with the British lingo in her work.
While I'm not a huge fan of the cover, it does do a great job at foreshadowing the tone of the book- it's dark, and a lot of the characters in this book are twisted- I'm glad I went to good ol' Public School haha. There's one scene (or incident) in particular that I found myself disgusted with in this book, Zara seemed appalled by it as well, but NO ONE took any action over it- rape is a serious matter, no matter WHO is the attacker and I'm disappointed in all the characters in this book for passing the incident over like it was just a cruel prank, and further continuing on to bully the victim instead. Needless to say, this upset me a bit.
I've seen many reviews comparing this title to the movie, Cruel Intentions and rightfully so, this book reads a lot like fan fiction to that film, but keep in mind Cruel Intentions was a remake itself.
I was conflicted with Zara a bit- I like that she has strong morals but at the same time I wanted to smack her for being so weak when it came to Oliver (not that I could really blame her). I actually was shocked at the amount of sex that went on at this Private School, I mean just because you're 17 and haven't had sex doesn't make you a goody goody. I don't recommend this read to those under the age of 16, there's tons of sexual dialogue and content. Riley certainly knows how to write some sexy times, let me tell you.
And she also knows how to write some complex characters, especially the famous Nixon twins! Liz is not at all who she portrays herself to be, and as a reader you just want to smack her, but she has more going than what is portrayed on the surface, leading you to empathize with her- although I still hold her accountable for A LOT of things.
Oliver, *que sigh* he is so Ryan Phillip in Cruel Intentions big time womanizer, that no one can tame, until now at least. You want to smack him a lot of the time for the way he treats Zara, but than you get butterflies in the pit of your stomach for the way he treats Zara. If this last statements seems confusing that's because Oliver is such an enigma, but one I fell for never-the-less. There's another beau on the hunt for Zara's heart, but we're not entirely sure of his intentions, yet.
If for no other reason, you must read this one for the steamy chemistry that Riley has created between Zara and Ollie- it's A-MAZING!!!
I think I've gone on long enough with this one, if you love a complicated romance with steamy scenes, than definitely give LACED IN MALICE a try. It was like kindle crack for me, I keep going back to the same few scenes over and over haha. Book #2 please!
Happy Reading!!!
November 6, 2012
What a crazy game of cat and mouse that was! I could not stop reading this book for the life of me. I was hooked from the get. Riley Gray you are my hero. You know how to write about mean bitches, and heartbreaking bad boys!!!
Zara is the ideal, God loving, Virginal daughter who will now be attending a Boarding school called Birchtree Academy. As much as she doesn't want to be there, she brushes it off to impress her Daddy! Continuing with the impression, she did an interview for her schools magazine, "The Zine," and stated that she was going to save herself for marriage and her one true love. Of course, this back fires and only gets thrown in her face numerous times throughout the first semester at Birchtree.
Birchtree Academy isn't exactly all it is cracked up to be, it is more of, "Mean Girls," meets, "Cruel Intentions." Our Sebastian is "Olli" aka Oliver Nixon, part one of the Nixon twins, gorgeous blue eyed hunk of stud, who loves casual sex! Our Kathryn/Regina is "Lizzie" aka Elizabeth Nixon, part two of the Nixon twins, queen bee of the school, bitch, and loves casual sex too (must be the Nixon trait). That leaves our Annette to Zara, known for being being beautiful and innocent.
Trouble is abreweing in this school. Watch what is lurking around every corner, because you may fall victim to, "The Voice," the random anonymous email that is sent when gossip or pictures have happened. This school can eat up and spit you right out.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It was great. It had so much drama and enough steam to make this girl smile! I gave this book 4.5 Stars. It leaves us with our mouths watering, wanting so much more.
Zara is the ideal, God loving, Virginal daughter who will now be attending a Boarding school called Birchtree Academy. As much as she doesn't want to be there, she brushes it off to impress her Daddy! Continuing with the impression, she did an interview for her schools magazine, "The Zine," and stated that she was going to save herself for marriage and her one true love. Of course, this back fires and only gets thrown in her face numerous times throughout the first semester at Birchtree.
Birchtree Academy isn't exactly all it is cracked up to be, it is more of, "Mean Girls," meets, "Cruel Intentions." Our Sebastian is "Olli" aka Oliver Nixon, part one of the Nixon twins, gorgeous blue eyed hunk of stud, who loves casual sex! Our Kathryn/Regina is "Lizzie" aka Elizabeth Nixon, part two of the Nixon twins, queen bee of the school, bitch, and loves casual sex too (must be the Nixon trait). That leaves our Annette to Zara, known for being being beautiful and innocent.
Trouble is abreweing in this school. Watch what is lurking around every corner, because you may fall victim to, "The Voice," the random anonymous email that is sent when gossip or pictures have happened. This school can eat up and spit you right out.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It was great. It had so much drama and enough steam to make this girl smile! I gave this book 4.5 Stars. It leaves us with our mouths watering, wanting so much more.
November 5, 2012
This book was perfect! I loved every minute of it. From the beginning of the book I was hooked! I even put it down and came back to it (even though it killed me to) so that I could stretch it out and make it last longer. But then I caved and devoured it!
Zara the perfect daughter who is waiting to have sex til marriage and true love is moving to boarding school where her dad is the new principle. She did an interview before she came and everyone thought she was little miss perfect. Of course her dad loved it because it makes him look good and potential investors and parents love that the principles daughter is perfect and will want their kids to be just like her.
Zara is immediately greeted by Lizzie who is her instant BFF. Lizzie's twin Oliver and Zara are immediately drawn to one another. But is this friendship and this relationship real. Lots of mean events happen and Zara can't help but feel Lizzie and Oliver are behind them. You have to read the book to find out what happens and I totally recommend you do!!!! Wonderful book! I can't wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zara the perfect daughter who is waiting to have sex til marriage and true love is moving to boarding school where her dad is the new principle. She did an interview before she came and everyone thought she was little miss perfect. Of course her dad loved it because it makes him look good and potential investors and parents love that the principles daughter is perfect and will want their kids to be just like her.
Zara is immediately greeted by Lizzie who is her instant BFF. Lizzie's twin Oliver and Zara are immediately drawn to one another. But is this friendship and this relationship real. Lots of mean events happen and Zara can't help but feel Lizzie and Oliver are behind them. You have to read the book to find out what happens and I totally recommend you do!!!! Wonderful book! I can't wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 27, 2012
There are two things you need to know about me: I LOVE Cruel Intentions, and I have a horrible weakness for bad boys with painful pasts. Laced in Malice delivers both.
Set at an English boarding school, the book follows the exploits of the new headmaster's daughter, Zara - a virtuous, if not a tad smug, self-proclaimed virgin. She's immediately befriended by Lizzie, the school goddess and alpha mean girl, and given a "make-over" of sorts.
That's when the book veers into a kind of love-triangle a la Cruel Intentions. Lizzie's twin brother, Oliver, is interested in Zara. Interested to the point of being a pest - but an extremely handsome, dangerously intoxicating pest. Zara finds herself falling for the charms of both twins - which leads to the big plot twists and main thrust of the story.
I don't want to give too much away, but there are some big secrets lurking behind the walls of Birchtree.
I recommend this book if you're a fan of Gossip Girl, Cruel Intentions, or Mean Girls. It's guilty pleasure reading.
Set at an English boarding school, the book follows the exploits of the new headmaster's daughter, Zara - a virtuous, if not a tad smug, self-proclaimed virgin. She's immediately befriended by Lizzie, the school goddess and alpha mean girl, and given a "make-over" of sorts.
That's when the book veers into a kind of love-triangle a la Cruel Intentions. Lizzie's twin brother, Oliver, is interested in Zara. Interested to the point of being a pest - but an extremely handsome, dangerously intoxicating pest. Zara finds herself falling for the charms of both twins - which leads to the big plot twists and main thrust of the story.
I don't want to give too much away, but there are some big secrets lurking behind the walls of Birchtree.
I recommend this book if you're a fan of Gossip Girl, Cruel Intentions, or Mean Girls. It's guilty pleasure reading.
November 29, 2012
4.5 stars!
This story had me hooked from page one. This book possessed my thoughts when I wasn't reading and all I could wonder was, what is going to happen next...
I liked Zara, but boy were there times I wanted to shake her! I knew something was off with Lizzie from the first meeting, she was a little to nice for me and at times I was yelling at my kindle for Zara to realize what was going on, but yet I was never fully sure of what was really going on with Lizzie or would happen next. Then there's Oliver, I was intrigued with him from the beginning on that train ride, I was often on the fence about him. I loved him, then hated him, and then loved him again.
Laced in Malice is full of twists and turns (some expected, some unexpected) that kept me on the edge of my seat with a crazy good, smooth plot. I was sad when it was over.
I NEED to know what is going to happen next for Zara, Oliver, and Lizzie soon!
This story had me hooked from page one. This book possessed my thoughts when I wasn't reading and all I could wonder was, what is going to happen next...
I liked Zara, but boy were there times I wanted to shake her! I knew something was off with Lizzie from the first meeting, she was a little to nice for me and at times I was yelling at my kindle for Zara to realize what was going on, but yet I was never fully sure of what was really going on with Lizzie or would happen next. Then there's Oliver, I was intrigued with him from the beginning on that train ride, I was often on the fence about him. I loved him, then hated him, and then loved him again.
Laced in Malice is full of twists and turns (some expected, some unexpected) that kept me on the edge of my seat with a crazy good, smooth plot. I was sad when it was over.
I NEED to know what is going to happen next for Zara, Oliver, and Lizzie soon!
August 13, 2016
3.5
Any book that is compared to Cruel Intentions (one of my favorite movies) I will automatically read.
This one had a mix of Cruel Intentions, Gossip Girl and Mean Girls. The story is set at a boarding school in England. But even though, the set up is at school, the content is very mature, more NA in my opinion, which I think fit really well with the whole dark and suspenseful tone of the story. This school had some pretty mean and deceitful teens and some terrible stuff happens to some of the characters.
Some scenes were very similar to the actual Cruel Intentions movie and I saw that some people didn't like that but I didn't mind it maybe that's why I liked it .
Overall, I really liked it! and it was a quick read, which is what I wanted at the moment.
Can't wait to read the sequels.
Any book that is compared to Cruel Intentions (one of my favorite movies) I will automatically read.
This one had a mix of Cruel Intentions, Gossip Girl and Mean Girls. The story is set at a boarding school in England. But even though, the set up is at school, the content is very mature, more NA in my opinion, which I think fit really well with the whole dark and suspenseful tone of the story. This school had some pretty mean and deceitful teens and some terrible stuff happens to some of the characters.
Some scenes were very similar to the actual Cruel Intentions movie and I saw that some people didn't like that but I didn't mind it maybe that's why I liked it .
Overall, I really liked it! and it was a quick read, which is what I wanted at the moment.
Can't wait to read the sequels.
November 26, 2012
So, I want to say that as I read this story I could definitely see the comparisons to Cruel Intentions. I did however find that though the story lines are similar...virginal girl, boy and girl want to knock own a notch or two, I do think there is a bit of a fresh twist in that you see why the "bitchy" passive aggressive sister is how she is. I won't say more because I don't want to give it away. I read a lot and I found this book to be good. I didn't see the ending coming and was actually disappointed to see it end. I was left wanting more. I think that is the sign of a good author, leaving you wanting to read their next book and not glad its over. Definitely recommend reading, you wont be disappointed.
November 27, 2012
Great book! Stumbled upon this book through a book blog and thought it sounded like something I would enjoy. Put it on my Wish List and then it went on sale! Score! Though in all honesty, it would have been worth the full price. It was definitely Gossip Girl meets Mean Girls meets Cruel Intentions meets Stalk Me. I really liked Zara and Oliver--separately and together! This was a surprising read, very entertaining. Had some steamy scenes--also a plus! I'll definitely be looking for the other books in the series....I'm assuming there's more! I hope there's more! Quick, easy read. Definitely recommend!!
November 20, 2012
Like Cruel Intentions? Enjoy Gossip Girl? Then you will LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I started it at 830 pm and haven't put it down. Just finished it at 1250 am. Will I be a Zombie at work tomorrow? Yes, yes I will... Was it worth it? Hell yes. Please tell me Laced 2 is out now???? I NEED IT NOW!! Lol the characters were great, the rise & fall of heart stopping & heart pounding moments were great. I LOVED this book. I really need to know what happens next.... Like I'm sure I won't sleep tonight because ill be thinking about the characters in this book. >_<
January 15, 2013
I was genuinely surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. At first, I thought it would be a little too high schoolish, but Birchtree Academy is not like any high school I've ever heard of. I am very eager to see what happens in the next book!
November 24, 2012
Part Cruel Intentions part Gossip Girl part mystery and a whole lot of SEXY! Phew!! This was a guilty pleasure read for me and I loved it! Can't wait for the sequel.......
November 20, 2012
SO GOOD. Beautiful people, shady characters, back stabbing, love triangles, it's like high school drama on steroids.
June 16, 2013
When I began reading Laced In Malice I could not have predicted where author Riley Gray was going to take me. In fact, I’m not sure where I ended up. I love that she had this suspense aspect to the story that my mind was doing somersaults trying to find which way was up cuz it just got completely handled. When I got done with the final words, I sat there thinking 1—WTF just happened? and 2—WTF just happened? I was convinced I was Team Oliver, yet then again I’m not so sure. No, I must be Team Oliver right?
Riley Gray did a fabulous job of hooking you into the story from the get go. She didn’t let up either. I kept turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I like to think of myself as a great problem solver. Well Riley Gray shook that confidence out of me and stomped on it. Right when I thought I had it all figured out, Ms. Gray decided to switch it up and go left. She had great character development where you really thought you knew the characters but she made them so multi faceted that I honestly don’t think that she wanted you to be able to figure everything out. And there lies the beauty and brilliance of Laced In Malice. I think that you can take the story and run with it. You can decide what the sequence of events means in the end. You can decide the true intentions of individual characters.
Amongst all this brain labor, Riley Gray distracts you with gorgeous book boys who steal your heart. Oliver is a delicious asshat who you want to slap yet let him have your way with you. I teetered on a fine line with him but I think in the end, he came out on top and he is so on my book boyfriend list.
The female characters of Laced In Malice make me want to spit evil words and slash every designer top in their closet. Definite mean girls—that have their own chapter on how to be one. Lizzie was the ultimate bitch. She was the ideal antagonist and the character that draws you in with her callous and devious ways.
Zara I don’t even think knows what hit her. She doesn’t know whether to run, to hide or to put it all out there. The Nixon twins (Oliver and Lizzie) are sending out signals like a graceful and unassuming jelly fish that has the sting of death.
This is an absolutely fun and Machiavellian read. It definitely has the movie vibe of Mean Girls and Cruel Intentions, which makes it a great summer read with all the right elements—cunning, devious, gorgeous, delicious, evil, sexy, and sinful!
I am absolutely looking forward to book two Laced In Deceit of this wicked tale. D 4/5
May 15, 2013
This is a fabulous book. It is a remake of Cruel Intentions which is a modern day telling of The Dangerous Liaisons. There are some people that "just want to watch the world burn." I guess If you have been hurt enough and mistreated enough, you just want others to feel the same type of misery that you have been through. You want to make others just as hurt and miserable and then you feel better about yourself. That is what Lizzie and Oliver Nixon are like in this. Oliver just follows and lets his sister lead him around and he does her bidding. He loves her and wants to protect her. Zara is the new Principal of Birchtree Academy's Private School's daughter. She gave an interview and came off saying that she wouldn't sleep with someone until she was in love with them and married. Lizzie and Oliver do their best to become her "friends". Lizzie and Oliver's father used to be the Principal but now he's been demoted down to Vice Principal. So they set up to destroy her to ruin her father so their father can get his position back. So Lizzie pretends to be best friends with Zara and Oliver tries to get her to have sex with him and be his "friend." Of course, Oliver falls in love with Zara while trying to get her to sleep with him. Lizzie takes it upon herself to destroy her and not let her take her brother away. I'm looking forward to the next 2 books - the book from Oliver's perspective and the follow up to this one. That one sounds more like Mean Girls, Zara tries to get back in with the popular crowd to take down the Queen but in the end loses herself and becomes too much like her. This is a definite series that is worth reading.
December 30, 2013
4.5 Stars
If you loved Cruel Intentions, you will love Laced in Malice.
I had this book since November 2012, lent it to a friend then and did not read it until today December 2013!! I cannot believe I waited a year to read this book!
Sure I thought Zara sometimes did not see the obvious and how many warnings did she have to get??? But I thought about that. Zara is truly a faithful friend. She does not care what others think. She does not listen to what gossip says about people.
Lizzie and Oliver are twins. Twins that pretty much rule the school. Lizzie pretends to be Zara’s friend, but she has an agenda and that is to ruin Zara like she has ruined many girls before her. Lizzie comes up with a plan that involves Oliver. Oliver will do anything and everything for his sister. He will always put his sister first. The goal is for Oliver to get Zara to sleep with him and post it for the entire school to see.
I love these types of stories. I think there is something wrong with me because these types of stories involve evil, deception, and are based on lies. I loved it. Cannot wait to read Oliver’s POV now.
If you loved Cruel Intentions, you will love Laced in Malice.
I had this book since November 2012, lent it to a friend then and did not read it until today December 2013!! I cannot believe I waited a year to read this book!
Sure I thought Zara sometimes did not see the obvious and how many warnings did she have to get??? But I thought about that. Zara is truly a faithful friend. She does not care what others think. She does not listen to what gossip says about people.
Lizzie and Oliver are twins. Twins that pretty much rule the school. Lizzie pretends to be Zara’s friend, but she has an agenda and that is to ruin Zara like she has ruined many girls before her. Lizzie comes up with a plan that involves Oliver. Oliver will do anything and everything for his sister. He will always put his sister first. The goal is for Oliver to get Zara to sleep with him and post it for the entire school to see.
I love these types of stories. I think there is something wrong with me because these types of stories involve evil, deception, and are based on lies. I loved it. Cannot wait to read Oliver’s POV now.
February 11, 2013
I don't know what to rate this. I enjoyed the read, although I was also frustrated by parts of it, but I can't figure out how to separate my opinion of Cruel Intentions, the movie, from my opinion of the book on its own. I honestly think that I filled in needed character depth by inserting feelings I already had about the situations and characters from the movie. Also I was very, very, VERY uncomfortable with how similar this was to Cruel Intentions.
I knew going in that it would be styled after the movie, but I thought it would just be another example of twisted situations and betrayals and redemption from people falling reluctantly into love. I didn't think it would be another version of the exact same thing. Scenes, character interactions, plot, sometimes even familiar dialogue...most of it came straight from the movie! I'd almost say this is fan fiction, but in fan fiction you don't recreate the original like this. Maybe some would say it's a homage to the movie but even that doesn't describe it. Some details and scenes are different but for the most part it's the same. I am just very uncomfortable with this.
I knew going in that it would be styled after the movie, but I thought it would just be another example of twisted situations and betrayals and redemption from people falling reluctantly into love. I didn't think it would be another version of the exact same thing. Scenes, character interactions, plot, sometimes even familiar dialogue...most of it came straight from the movie! I'd almost say this is fan fiction, but in fan fiction you don't recreate the original like this. Maybe some would say it's a homage to the movie but even that doesn't describe it. Some details and scenes are different but for the most part it's the same. I am just very uncomfortable with this.
November 13, 2012
Cruel intentions anyone? Where the plot was going was pretty obvious although it was well-written apart from a few typos. What I didn't expect was the ending alluding to a sequel. But then again it would be nice to see where the story goes from here. Hopefully, it will grow on it's own merit. Here's hoping that in the next book Oliver doesn't die like Ryan Philippe's Sebastian character did. Maybe he did deserve to die due to his terrible acting but surely this Oliver character deserves better...
December 28, 2012
Had the potential to be really good and whilst at times it was quite enjoyable to read I just find it too difficult given the main characters lack of personality/ability to read situations and people. She ends up feeling bland, and to be quite honest, stupid. I don't feel anything for her because I don't know what 17 year old would be that thick.
I would definitely encourage anyone thinking about this book to overlook it, rent cruel intentions, watch that and then a proper book like Beautiful Disaster.
I would definitely encourage anyone thinking about this book to overlook it, rent cruel intentions, watch that and then a proper book like Beautiful Disaster.
April 22, 2013
This book was a rollercoaster. I completely understand where the comparisons to Cruel Intentions come from, because there were a lot of similarities between that films and this book, but I think it still had enough originals content to stand its own. The characters were well written, the plot was engaging (although predictable at times) and the romance was very sweet. I'll be reading the next book in the series.
November 22, 2012
I agree with other reviews about this book having a Cruel Attentions feel, but Melrose Place also comes to mind with all the drama and backstabbing. Not sure how I feel about Olver just yet.. The next installment should be interesting.
July 18, 2020
i loved it! there were times when i got a little frustrated with the MC, but for the most part it was good. There werent any really boring parts, and it just moves at a fast pace. horrible cliffhanger. better review to come.
November 30, 2012
It's like mean girls and cruel intentions all rolled into one!
December 15, 2012
Awesome Read!!!
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