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Lake Fisher #1
Feels like Summertime
Jake:
Katie Higgins was the first girl I ever loved. We spent one summer together at Lake Fisher when we were sixteen and then I never saw her again. My life is shit, my job is gone, and my dad had a stroke, so I find myself back at Lake Fisher once again. And so does Katie. Her last name isn't Higgins anymore, because Katie is married with three kids and one more on the way, but when she shows up at Lake Fisher with her kids, danger trails her all the way there. I could do a lot of things. I could leave and go home. I could stay and deal with it. But what I want most of all is just to take care of Katie. If I concentrate on her, maybe I won't have to face my own problems. Yeah, that's it. Fix Katie.
Katie:
I haven't seen Jake in eighteen years, but the moment I lay eyes on him, I feel safer than I have in a very long time. Memories swamp me every time I look out over the clear, cool water. A first kiss. A first boyfriend. A first love. That old spark is still there. I just can't act on it, and neither can Jake. Our story started eighteen years ago, and then we both made lives with other people. Jake is willing to tell me about his, but I can't share mine with him. Ever. We can be friends and spend another summer together, right? Sure, we can.
Katie Higgins was the first girl I ever loved. We spent one summer together at Lake Fisher when we were sixteen and then I never saw her again. My life is shit, my job is gone, and my dad had a stroke, so I find myself back at Lake Fisher once again. And so does Katie. Her last name isn't Higgins anymore, because Katie is married with three kids and one more on the way, but when she shows up at Lake Fisher with her kids, danger trails her all the way there. I could do a lot of things. I could leave and go home. I could stay and deal with it. But what I want most of all is just to take care of Katie. If I concentrate on her, maybe I won't have to face my own problems. Yeah, that's it. Fix Katie.
Katie:
I haven't seen Jake in eighteen years, but the moment I lay eyes on him, I feel safer than I have in a very long time. Memories swamp me every time I look out over the clear, cool water. A first kiss. A first boyfriend. A first love. That old spark is still there. I just can't act on it, and neither can Jake. Our story started eighteen years ago, and then we both made lives with other people. Jake is willing to tell me about his, but I can't share mine with him. Ever. We can be friends and spend another summer together, right? Sure, we can.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2016
140 people are currently reading
1643 people want to read
About the author
Tammy Falkner
64 books3,187 followersTammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she often wonders what other kinds of magical, mythical and strange creatures might live and interact within the ton. Exploring the theory that the fae can walk between Regency England and their own land, Tammy spends as much time as possible with the lords and ladies of society, horse-drawn carriages, and elegant balls. Now add to that some faeries, a little murder, a bit of mayhem, and a troublesome garden gnome, and you have her exciting new series. She hopes you enjoys her world as much as she does.
Also writes as
Lydia Dare
Also writes as
Lydia Dare
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April 3, 2016 ::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::::
This is the ultimate fun, sexy, feel-good, heart-warming romance. From beginning to end, it kept me laughing, swooning, and falling in love!! It's a second chance love story -- the heroine is a single mom of four kids, and the hero is a guy she'd fallen in love with when they were younger... and eighteen years later, they're reunited and fall in love again!! The banter was fantastic, the romance was gorgeous, I even cried happy tears in the epilogue (I love letters!!!), and now I seriously can't stop smiling. Loved it!!
I first fell in love with Tammy Falkner's writing with her Reed Brother's series. But when I heard that she'd written a separate standalone (this book) and that it was a second chance romance (my favorite), I couldn't resist. Then, this blurb finally sold me on the book...
As soon as I began reading it, I fell in love with the story, the writing, and the characters. My gosh, I wasn't expecting it to be so FUNNY, but I laughed out loud so many times over the antics with Jake's giant stinky goofy dog, the flirty fun banter between Jake and Katie as they began to fall in love again, the hilarious griping of his beloved but jokingly-cantankerous dad, the general adorable mayhem that came with having young children around, and the fun flashbacks to the summer they met. This book was a joy to read!!
What I really appreciated though was that the story had a lot of depth behind the light-hearted surface. Not only are there a lot of deep feels with their reunion, but Katie is running from some things in her life that have caused her and her family a lot of pain and turmoil. I don't want to go into detail because it's something that you'll discover as you read, but I will reassure you that there is no love triangle at all.
The most heart-melting thing in this book was the open, loving, and unconditionally accepting way that Jake accepted her kids into his heart. There was absolutely no question for him. Her kids were just an extension of her, and even though she was even heavily pregnant with another man's child, it didn't matter to him. He loved her, he'd always loved her, and he whole-heartedly accepted everything and everyone she came with into his life. Seriously, it was PURE SWOON MATERIAL.
Actually, do you guys remember back in 2014, many of us fell in love with a book called Worth The Fall (my review) ?? Well, I'd highly recommend Feels Like Summertime for anyone who loved that.
If I had to make a tiny complaint, it's that there were a few times when I felt things were a little rushed. But the flip side is that there's really no stupid drama at all so I was extremely grateful for that.
I also really loved the open-minded view this story had towards family. Family is one of the most important things, but I've always been of the firm belief that family doesn't have to mean blood-relations. Family is love. It's people bonded together by the kind of soul-deep love that is what makes them family... and this book showed that over and over and over again. It brought me to tears, it made me laugh out loud, and more than anything, it made me believe that their love would bind them together forever.
This truly is the ultimate feel-good romance that is guaranteed to make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love. If you're looking for a book that'll make your heart happy, this is it!!
Rating: 4.5 stars. Standalone second chance romance.
➜ http://amzn.to/22Mlyzz
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For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
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"I want her forever. I don’t want her for a moment, or for a short time, or for an experience. I want her always. I want her early morning and her late night. I want her midday and I want her bedtime. I just want her.”
This is the ultimate fun, sexy, feel-good, heart-warming romance. From beginning to end, it kept me laughing, swooning, and falling in love!! It's a second chance love story -- the heroine is a single mom of four kids, and the hero is a guy she'd fallen in love with when they were younger... and eighteen years later, they're reunited and fall in love again!! The banter was fantastic, the romance was gorgeous, I even cried happy tears in the epilogue (I love letters!!!), and now I seriously can't stop smiling. Loved it!!
I first fell in love with Tammy Falkner's writing with her Reed Brother's series. But when I heard that she'd written a separate standalone (this book) and that it was a second chance romance (my favorite), I couldn't resist. Then, this blurb finally sold me on the book...
Jake:
Katie Higgins was the first girl I ever loved. We spent one summer together at Lake Fisher when we were sixteen and then I never saw her again. My life is shit, my job is gone, and my dad had a stroke, so I find myself back at Lake Fisher once again. And so does Katie. Her last name isn't Higgins anymore, because Katie is married with three kids and one more on the way, but when she shows up at Lake Fisher with her kids, danger trails her all the way there. I could do a lot of things. I could leave and go home. I could stay and deal with it. But what I want most of all is just to take care of Katie. If I concentrate on her, maybe I won't have to face my own problems. Yeah, that's it. Fix Katie.
Katie:
I haven't seen Jake in eighteen years, but the moment I lay eyes on him, I feel safer than I have in a very long time. Memories swamp me every time I look out over the clear, cool water. A first kiss. A first boyfriend. A first love. That old spark is still there. I just can't act on it, and neither can Jake. Our story started eighteen years ago, and then we both made lives with other people. Jake is willing to tell me about his, but I can't share mine with him. Ever. We can be friends and spend another summer together, right? Sure, we can.
As soon as I began reading it, I fell in love with the story, the writing, and the characters. My gosh, I wasn't expecting it to be so FUNNY, but I laughed out loud so many times over the antics with Jake's giant stinky goofy dog, the flirty fun banter between Jake and Katie as they began to fall in love again, the hilarious griping of his beloved but jokingly-cantankerous dad, the general adorable mayhem that came with having young children around, and the fun flashbacks to the summer they met. This book was a joy to read!!
“Why don’t you take Katie up to our house and get her something dry to wear?” Pop said… “But you stay out of her room while she’s changing. I’m not ready to be a grandpa.”
Katie laughed out loud.
But then Pop pointed at her. “If you get my boy pregnant, I’ll string you up by your toenails.”
Sh giggled again. She held a hand to me, and I slipped mine inside hers.
And that was the first time I ever held hands with Katie Higgins.
What I really appreciated though was that the story had a lot of depth behind the light-hearted surface. Not only are there a lot of deep feels with their reunion, but Katie is running from some things in her life that have caused her and her family a lot of pain and turmoil. I don't want to go into detail because it's something that you'll discover as you read, but I will reassure you that there is no love triangle at all.
The most heart-melting thing in this book was the open, loving, and unconditionally accepting way that Jake accepted her kids into his heart. There was absolutely no question for him. Her kids were just an extension of her, and even though she was even heavily pregnant with another man's child, it didn't matter to him. He loved her, he'd always loved her, and he whole-heartedly accepted everything and everyone she came with into his life. Seriously, it was PURE SWOON MATERIAL.
"I didn't want kids. But then I met yours..." His voice trails off.
"And what did you think?" I hold my breath.
"They were a part of you, so I had no choice but to love them at first sight."
Actually, do you guys remember back in 2014, many of us fell in love with a book called Worth The Fall (my review) ?? Well, I'd highly recommend Feels Like Summertime for anyone who loved that.
When her lips touch mine, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.
“Are you jumping in with me because you’re afraid I’ll drown, Jake?” Her voice shakes.
I look her in the eyes. “Nope. Just because I want to be with you.”
If I had to make a tiny complaint, it's that there were a few times when I felt things were a little rushed. But the flip side is that there's really no stupid drama at all so I was extremely grateful for that.
I also really loved the open-minded view this story had towards family. Family is one of the most important things, but I've always been of the firm belief that family doesn't have to mean blood-relations. Family is love. It's people bonded together by the kind of soul-deep love that is what makes them family... and this book showed that over and over and over again. It brought me to tears, it made me laugh out loud, and more than anything, it made me believe that their love would bind them together forever.
This truly is the ultimate feel-good romance that is guaranteed to make you laugh, swoon, and fall in love. If you're looking for a book that'll make your heart happy, this is it!!
Rating: 4.5 stars. Standalone second chance romance.
➜ http://amzn.to/22Mlyzz
__________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
March 30, 2016
Just like its name, this is a beautifully warm, fun and sexy story wrapped up in an emotional packet that Feels like Summertime. Tammy Falkner has a gift for writing deeply emotional and engaging characters and plots that are guaranteed to please.
Erick Jacobson’s life has hit a really rough patch. He’s been put on administrative leave from his NYPD job, his father has suffered a stroke and while taking care of him he’s run into the girl who two decades ago had his first kiss and stole his heart. Katie is now the mother of 3 kids with one more on the way. The best thing for Jake to do is take his new dog and save himself from the trouble and heartache that most assuredly comes with Katie. But even though she isn’t his to care for, he wants her to be. Can he stay as just friends with her?
Eighteen years ago Katie Higgins had one of the best summers ever when she met Jake. Their young love meant they were each other’s first kiss, first love. But when the summer ended and she left, their connection faded away and they both moved on. She’s come back to Lake Fisher to seek refuge with her three children. But even though she feels safe having Jake around and they both feel the attraction, she refuses to share her troubles, much less involve him in them. Can she keep him in the friend zone?
I love reading books by Tammy Falkner and this is a wonderfully fresh new standalone story that has all the elements that I have come to cherish in her books. There are all the family values that give you the warm fuzzies from a group of people who love and support without measure and of course also dish out awesome teasing that is guaranteed to make you smile and laugh. A good plot of course, very likeable characters and lots and lots of sweet and hilarious moments.
Both main characters are charming. Katie is a great mother with great big heart. Ok, so she got a bit hormonal at times, but she was eight months pregnant so she totally gets a pass. Jake is totally swoon worthy with his sexy, take charge attitude that includes taking care of Katie’s kids which made him irresistible.
I really enjoyed how Katie and Jake reconnected. Second chance romances lean towards angst having to do with resolving old hurts between the main characters which wasn’t the case here. We get small flashbacks from the summer they shared when they were sixteen, which are totally funny and tender.
Even though there were things that both were keeping from each other which they didn’t reveal for the longest time, and of course there were all the changes that happened during the eighteen years they were a part, Katie and Jake’s easy relationship and their unquenchable spark picked up almost like they left off. Their young love was incredibly sweet but now as grownups they’re perfect for each other.
I enjoyed all their sexy moments, their banter and how they made room for one another, the kids and even the boy dog who was named Sally and got his nails painted pink by Katie’s youngest daughter. Of course I have to mention the dog and Jake’s cantankerous and really cool father as well as Katie’s parents. They meddled when needed in the most endearing and humorous ways.
A lot of things go on in this story which I’d love to share but would totally spoil you. Cameos people, there are cameos and other great twists! But what it boils down to is that this book made me laugh and cry, blush and swoon, and at times got me biting my nails while sitting at the edge of my seat. It has an easy flow and the perfect mixture of all the good contemporary romance stuff that brings forth beautiful emotions and values.
Feels like Summertime is a standalone, second chance contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a great prologue and gushy sweet epilogue.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/20EkIBU
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1Q6500Q
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1XMTp8L
And check this out!!! Tammy has a FREE preview on her web page of chapters 1 through a whole bunch -> https://tammyfalkner.wordpress.com/20...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
“To me, you feel like summertime. You feel like warm weather and sunny skies. You feel like the occasional storm, but they always pass, and they keep things interesting.”
Erick Jacobson’s life has hit a really rough patch. He’s been put on administrative leave from his NYPD job, his father has suffered a stroke and while taking care of him he’s run into the girl who two decades ago had his first kiss and stole his heart. Katie is now the mother of 3 kids with one more on the way. The best thing for Jake to do is take his new dog and save himself from the trouble and heartache that most assuredly comes with Katie. But even though she isn’t his to care for, he wants her to be. Can he stay as just friends with her?
Eighteen years ago Katie Higgins had one of the best summers ever when she met Jake. Their young love meant they were each other’s first kiss, first love. But when the summer ended and she left, their connection faded away and they both moved on. She’s come back to Lake Fisher to seek refuge with her three children. But even though she feels safe having Jake around and they both feel the attraction, she refuses to share her troubles, much less involve him in them. Can she keep him in the friend zone?
I love reading books by Tammy Falkner and this is a wonderfully fresh new standalone story that has all the elements that I have come to cherish in her books. There are all the family values that give you the warm fuzzies from a group of people who love and support without measure and of course also dish out awesome teasing that is guaranteed to make you smile and laugh. A good plot of course, very likeable characters and lots and lots of sweet and hilarious moments.
“Well, if I had a rack like that and nobody talked about them, I’d be sad. Just trying to keep up the morale here, Katie. Doing my job as a citizen of this great country.”
“If you start singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ at my boobs, I’ll deck you.”~ Jake and Katie
Both main characters are charming. Katie is a great mother with great big heart. Ok, so she got a bit hormonal at times, but she was eight months pregnant so she totally gets a pass. Jake is totally swoon worthy with his sexy, take charge attitude that includes taking care of Katie’s kids which made him irresistible.
“I didn’t want kids. But then I met yours…” His voice trails off. “And what did you think?” I hold my breath. “They were a part of you, so I had no choice but to love them at first sight.”
I really enjoyed how Katie and Jake reconnected. Second chance romances lean towards angst having to do with resolving old hurts between the main characters which wasn’t the case here. We get small flashbacks from the summer they shared when they were sixteen, which are totally funny and tender.
“That day when you fell in the lake, the first day we ever met… You didn’t pull me in with you… I jumped.”~ Katie to Jake
Even though there were things that both were keeping from each other which they didn’t reveal for the longest time, and of course there were all the changes that happened during the eighteen years they were a part, Katie and Jake’s easy relationship and their unquenchable spark picked up almost like they left off. Their young love was incredibly sweet but now as grownups they’re perfect for each other.
“Katie Stone,” I say, remembering to use her married last name, “do you remember when you jumped into the lake with me that first night we met?”
She smiles. “Vividly.”
“Well, this is me jumping in with you.” ~ Jake to Katie
I enjoyed all their sexy moments, their banter and how they made room for one another, the kids and even the boy dog who was named Sally and got his nails painted pink by Katie’s youngest daughter. Of course I have to mention the dog and Jake’s cantankerous and really cool father as well as Katie’s parents. They meddled when needed in the most endearing and humorous ways.
“I took it upon myself to get you a date… You can thank me later” ~ Jake’s dad to Jake
____________________________
“Pop is going to make a hell of a grandpa some day. What he lacks in patience, he makes up for in assholery, which can be endearing at times.”
A lot of things go on in this story which I’d love to share but would totally spoil you. Cameos people, there are cameos and other great twists! But what it boils down to is that this book made me laugh and cry, blush and swoon, and at times got me biting my nails while sitting at the edge of my seat. It has an easy flow and the perfect mixture of all the good contemporary romance stuff that brings forth beautiful emotions and values.
Feels like Summertime is a standalone, second chance contemporary romance. Told from both points of view with a great prologue and gushy sweet epilogue.
Amazon: http://bit.ly/20EkIBU
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1Q6500Q
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1XMTp8L
And check this out!!! Tammy has a FREE preview on her web page of chapters 1 through a whole bunch -> https://tammyfalkner.wordpress.com/20...
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
dnf
December 11, 2020DNF @ 34%
It was too insta for me....or the H already claimed to still be in love with the h (even after he married and divorced). There didn’t feel to be any development of feelings as they were just there. With the H’s dad too. It was all just like I started the book already in the middle of a story. It did not a group of people that hadn’t seen each other for ~18 years after only spending a summer together 🤷🏻♀️
Hey! At least it was a freebie!
It was too insta for me....or the H already claimed to still be in love with the h (even after he married and divorced). There didn’t feel to be any development of feelings as they were just there. With the H’s dad too. It was all just like I started the book already in the middle of a story. It did not a group of people that hadn’t seen each other for ~18 years after only spending a summer together 🤷🏻♀️
Hey! At least it was a freebie!
April 5, 2016
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Night Shift Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this blind, only knowing it was by Tammy Falkner, a go-to author of mine.
Feels Like Summertime was an incredibly sweet second chance romance with some danger mixed in. I read it almost entirely in one sitting.
Katie returned to a place she felt safe with her family in tow. She was vulnerable and full of secrets. I immediately felt at home at Pop’s summer camp. Katie bumped into her first love, Jake as soon as she checked in to a place that holds all kinds of great memories. I loved their instant re-connection. This story was rich with history of a youthful and unforgettable summer mixed in with a very engaging romance.
More than Jake and Katie’s connection, I fell in love with Jake and his bond with Katie’s children. Jake’s dog was great therapy for the kids, especially the youngest, Trixie.
Pop’s completely inappropriate language was hilarious and totally lightened the mood during stressful times.
As always, a fantastic read by Tammy Falkner!
I went into this blind, only knowing it was by Tammy Falkner, a go-to author of mine.
Feels Like Summertime was an incredibly sweet second chance romance with some danger mixed in. I read it almost entirely in one sitting.
Katie returned to a place she felt safe with her family in tow. She was vulnerable and full of secrets. I immediately felt at home at Pop’s summer camp. Katie bumped into her first love, Jake as soon as she checked in to a place that holds all kinds of great memories. I loved their instant re-connection. This story was rich with history of a youthful and unforgettable summer mixed in with a very engaging romance.
More than Jake and Katie’s connection, I fell in love with Jake and his bond with Katie’s children. Jake’s dog was great therapy for the kids, especially the youngest, Trixie.
“I look over to the steps, where I see my dog lying with his head on Trixie’s lap. She has his paw in her hand and she’s painting his toenails a soft pink color. “I could have sworn that dog had a penis,” I say out loud.
Trixie looks down between the dog’s legs. “He does have a penis,” she says quietly.”
Pop’s completely inappropriate language was hilarious and totally lightened the mood during stressful times.
“If you shake it more than three times, you’re playing with it!” Pop yells at me from the living room.”
As always, a fantastic read by Tammy Falkner!
April 3, 2016
Lovely read, filled with laughter, tears, and a lot of love! I really enjoy Falkner's writing, and this one didn't disappoint! New favorite for me and it's gotten me in the mood for summer!!
June 8, 2016
Published: 2016
:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::
I LOVED this book. It is sweet, classy, heartwarming, and unforgettable! You can also throw in some humor (I laughed a lot) and some tears (there are some SERIOUS tear-jerking moments). From start to finish, I was HOOKED on this book. I read it in one sitting.
This is a second chance romance novel about a single mother (whose husband sadly passed away while in the military) and an old friend from the past. After 18 years the two reunite and it’s like nothing ever changed for them in terms of their feelings. The setting for the story is very descriptive. I actually felt like I was sitting there in a cabin by the lake with them as their love story progressed. The romance in this book is unbelievable! The author clearly knows what all-consuming love is because she portrayed this in the story PERFECTLY. The progression of the relationship was fast, but paced well as the two have known each other for a very long time. This book is light on dramatics (although there are some moments that will keep your heart pounding) and everything comes together in the end perfectly! The characters in this book are AMAZING. You have a dad with a potty mouth and throws condoms around like they grow on trees, the dog Sally (who is a boy BTW) enjoys getting his toenails painted and wearing tutu’s, the kids (all four of them) add a unique touch to the story and made me giggle and the hero and heroine were perfectly made to become a reader’s best friends.
Overall, this is an all-around feel good/heartwarming romance that is sure to delight MANY readers. It is a perfect escape for those who are looking for something a little classier, but with a LOT of swoon worthy romance. The story doesn’t revolve around sex, rather, it revolves around a budding romance 18 years in the making (with a few extra kids). So, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read more from the author because she has captured my attention with this beautiful read!
:: 5 Pretty Little Stars ::
I LOVED this book. It is sweet, classy, heartwarming, and unforgettable! You can also throw in some humor (I laughed a lot) and some tears (there are some SERIOUS tear-jerking moments). From start to finish, I was HOOKED on this book. I read it in one sitting.
This is a second chance romance novel about a single mother (whose husband sadly passed away while in the military) and an old friend from the past. After 18 years the two reunite and it’s like nothing ever changed for them in terms of their feelings. The setting for the story is very descriptive. I actually felt like I was sitting there in a cabin by the lake with them as their love story progressed. The romance in this book is unbelievable! The author clearly knows what all-consuming love is because she portrayed this in the story PERFECTLY. The progression of the relationship was fast, but paced well as the two have known each other for a very long time. This book is light on dramatics (although there are some moments that will keep your heart pounding) and everything comes together in the end perfectly! The characters in this book are AMAZING. You have a dad with a potty mouth and throws condoms around like they grow on trees, the dog Sally (who is a boy BTW) enjoys getting his toenails painted and wearing tutu’s, the kids (all four of them) add a unique touch to the story and made me giggle and the hero and heroine were perfectly made to become a reader’s best friends.
Overall, this is an all-around feel good/heartwarming romance that is sure to delight MANY readers. It is a perfect escape for those who are looking for something a little classier, but with a LOT of swoon worthy romance. The story doesn’t revolve around sex, rather, it revolves around a budding romance 18 years in the making (with a few extra kids). So, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read more from the author because she has captured my attention with this beautiful read!
April 6, 2016
WOW! I have read a TON of books by Tammy Falkner (and I do mean a TON) and none have made me tear up and touch me much on an emotional lever as Feels Like Summertime. I can honestly say that this is one of my all time favorite second chance romances.
‘And that was the day I knew I was head over heels for Jake.’
Katie and Jake fell in love one summer when they were both sixteen one summer at the lake. But like most teenage romances it sadly fizzled out due to the distance and simply growing up. But now both are in their late thirties and find them both back at the same lake. Only now Jake is harder and dealing with a tough instance at work and Katie is married with three kids and one on the way. Both have secrets but both are so happy just to have the other back in their lives again. But Katie is running and whatever it is she is hiding from is coming for her. Can Jake save her and prove that you can fall in love more than once?
“To me, you feel like summertime. You feel like warm weather and sunny skies. You feel like the occasional storm, but they always pass, and they keep things interesting. You feel like my future.”
I love Tammy’s writing style she brings the humor without diminishing the seriousness of everything that is going on. The emotions feel real and strong and I honestly had no clue where this story was going through out most if it, it was a journey I would happily take again and again. When the story started I honestly felt like Jake was going to be the one tough to love but as soon as he sees Katie you cannot help but fall for him. He immediately knows that his feelings for her never died and embraces her children from the start. He is gentle and patient even when she refuses to open up to him. But he never waivers in his devotion to her even if it just as a friend. Their flirty banter kept the story moving and his dad and her kids provided the perfect amount of lightheartedness and comedic relief. I truly hope that Tammy writes more stories like this one because I completely plan on devouring each one.
~miranda
‘And that was the day I knew I was head over heels for Jake.’
Katie and Jake fell in love one summer when they were both sixteen one summer at the lake. But like most teenage romances it sadly fizzled out due to the distance and simply growing up. But now both are in their late thirties and find them both back at the same lake. Only now Jake is harder and dealing with a tough instance at work and Katie is married with three kids and one on the way. Both have secrets but both are so happy just to have the other back in their lives again. But Katie is running and whatever it is she is hiding from is coming for her. Can Jake save her and prove that you can fall in love more than once?
“To me, you feel like summertime. You feel like warm weather and sunny skies. You feel like the occasional storm, but they always pass, and they keep things interesting. You feel like my future.”
I love Tammy’s writing style she brings the humor without diminishing the seriousness of everything that is going on. The emotions feel real and strong and I honestly had no clue where this story was going through out most if it, it was a journey I would happily take again and again. When the story started I honestly felt like Jake was going to be the one tough to love but as soon as he sees Katie you cannot help but fall for him. He immediately knows that his feelings for her never died and embraces her children from the start. He is gentle and patient even when she refuses to open up to him. But he never waivers in his devotion to her even if it just as a friend. Their flirty banter kept the story moving and his dad and her kids provided the perfect amount of lightheartedness and comedic relief. I truly hope that Tammy writes more stories like this one because I completely plan on devouring each one.
~miranda
April 7, 2016
http://amzn.to/1UIjjwg 4.5 stars I loved this second chance romance
This book has so much of what I love in a great book: it pulled me in from the first page (great male POV), it kept me engaged throughout, it had me laughing, it was a wonderfully well done second chance romance and it was a new author I throughly enjoyed!
Katie Higgins and Erik Jacobson, Jr (Jake) met years ago, back when both were teenagers; this book finds their paths colliding 18 years later!
I adored that this book was told in dual POV; it allowed great insight into both of them, hearing from them in the present and their thoughts on the past! This made this such an amazing read!
Katie’s children added so much to this story, Gaby, Alex and Trixie each had their own personality, each had their own way of dealing with what is currently facing their family and each forms a unique bond with Jake! Witnessing each child bond with Jake was something I loved; because if this relationship is going to work now, it is about so much more than Katie. Jake understood that is spades Oh I must add I loved the how Alex is coping and how it tied into the end of the story.
The second chance romance part was so well done as the past and the present merge together into a beautifully told story:
“Hey, Jake?”
“Yeah?” I feel that tiny little flutter under my hand again and a grin tugs at the corners of my lips.
“That day when you feel in the lake, the first day we ever met…”
“Yeah?” I wait.
“You didn’t pull me in with you.”
“Huh?
“I jumped.”
Much of the laughing in this one came in the from of Jake’s Dad, Pop was hysterical to read. He has so many funny one-liners, he called things as he saw them, yes, sometimes in an inappropriate way, and then at the end he brought a few tears to my eyes as a shared a special moment with Jake and then one with Katie.
This is one of the tamest things that Mr. Jacobson has to say:
“Why don’t you take Katie up to our house and get her something dry to wear?”
“But you stay out of her room while she’s changing. I’m not ready to be a grandpa.”
And in the end the tie into the book title was perfect!
“To me, you feel like summertime. You feel like warm weather and sunny skies. You feel like the occasional storm, but they always pass, and they keep things interesting.”
This book has so much of what I love in a great book: it pulled me in from the first page (great male POV), it kept me engaged throughout, it had me laughing, it was a wonderfully well done second chance romance and it was a new author I throughly enjoyed!
Katie Higgins and Erik Jacobson, Jr (Jake) met years ago, back when both were teenagers; this book finds their paths colliding 18 years later!
I adored that this book was told in dual POV; it allowed great insight into both of them, hearing from them in the present and their thoughts on the past! This made this such an amazing read!
Katie’s children added so much to this story, Gaby, Alex and Trixie each had their own personality, each had their own way of dealing with what is currently facing their family and each forms a unique bond with Jake! Witnessing each child bond with Jake was something I loved; because if this relationship is going to work now, it is about so much more than Katie. Jake understood that is spades Oh I must add I loved the how Alex is coping and how it tied into the end of the story.
The second chance romance part was so well done as the past and the present merge together into a beautifully told story:
“Hey, Jake?”
“Yeah?” I feel that tiny little flutter under my hand again and a grin tugs at the corners of my lips.
“That day when you feel in the lake, the first day we ever met…”
“Yeah?” I wait.
“You didn’t pull me in with you.”
“Huh?
“I jumped.”
Much of the laughing in this one came in the from of Jake’s Dad, Pop was hysterical to read. He has so many funny one-liners, he called things as he saw them, yes, sometimes in an inappropriate way, and then at the end he brought a few tears to my eyes as a shared a special moment with Jake and then one with Katie.
This is one of the tamest things that Mr. Jacobson has to say:
“Why don’t you take Katie up to our house and get her something dry to wear?”
“But you stay out of her room while she’s changing. I’m not ready to be a grandpa.”
And in the end the tie into the book title was perfect!
“To me, you feel like summertime. You feel like warm weather and sunny skies. You feel like the occasional storm, but they always pass, and they keep things interesting.”
March 30, 2016
3 STaRs
Meh. I think I'm being generous with my three stars. I didn't really like it much but it wasn't the worst book I've ever read. I think most will really love this one...
March 29, 2016
4.5 stars
March 1, 2022
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 2.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
this books starts way too abruptly and it feels like i was dumped in the middle of it, also i never got to care for the main characters, so…
at least we got a Reed brothers cameo❤️
p.s. apparently trauma of the loss of a loved one and an abusive relationship doesn’t do anything and can be overcome over night, damn, that’s good to know 💀
this books starts way too abruptly and it feels like i was dumped in the middle of it, also i never got to care for the main characters, so…
at least we got a Reed brothers cameo❤️
p.s. apparently trauma of the loss of a loved one and an abusive relationship doesn’t do anything and can be overcome over night, damn, that’s good to know 💀
October 12, 2020
A wonderful second chance story that left me with that warm happy feeling and a big smile on my face. Jake and Katie are great as are all the characters in the story. With this book you get an old flame that gets rekindled, kids, a dog, a crotchety old guy, and lots and lots of love. With a bit of excitement in the end, everything turns out as it should be! This book is very well done and it is definitely one I would recommend to everyone.
April 2, 2016
Oooooh this was fun .... slightly over the top , sometimes a bit too sweet with minimal angst and a good dose of fun , Feels like summertime is a perfect book for those days when you just wanna read and chill with a book that doesn't make your head spin like crazy ..
April 7, 2016
I really wanted to love it...
It was a nice enough book, with a few tears and a lot of lovable characters.
To tell you the truth, it had a minor pet peeve of mine: the flashbacks that interrupt the story.
I normally don't mind them, but in this particular book it really distracted me. The plot had holes in it .
And it moved way too fast. You can't have two major plot lines, the teen romance and the adult romance and finish it in 260 pages.
All in all, a solid read because even though I have some complaints, the overall book and writing style were good enough for me to finish it.
It was a nice enough book, with a few tears and a lot of lovable characters.
To tell you the truth, it had a minor pet peeve of mine: the flashbacks that interrupt the story.
I normally don't mind them, but in this particular book it really distracted me. The plot had holes in it .
And it moved way too fast. You can't have two major plot lines, the teen romance and the adult romance and finish it in 260 pages.
All in all, a solid read because even though I have some complaints, the overall book and writing style were good enough for me to finish it.
July 18, 2016
Does this author write a heartwarming, sweet story with adorable characters or what?!?! Oh so cute romance with a little suspense thrown in to make the story interesting.
May 21, 2018
3 sweet second-chance stars
This is a seriously sweet second-chance-romance, with lots of fun, cute moments, a fantastic family dynamic and a sexy, swoony love story as two childhood sweethearts rediscover each other after 18 long years apart.
Erik ‘Jake’ Jacobson’s life is falling apart around him. When his father becomes ill, he returns home to care for him, taking the opportunity to take a break from his real life and sort himself out. The one thing he never expected to see on his return to Lake Fisher was his childhood sweetheart and first love.
Katie Higgins is a young widow with three children and another on the way. On the run from danger, she has packed up her family and escaped to the place from her childhood that holds wonderful memories and a special place in her heart. She spent a blissful summer at Lake Fisher as a 16 year old, and now she is back there with her family hoping to give them safety and a drama free life for a little while. And then she runs into Jake, the man who swept her off her feet so long ago.
It’s been 18 years since Jake and Katie have seen each other. They fell hard for each other as teenagers, and I loved their memories of their time together. But when Katie returned home after summer, they drifted apart and went on with their lives. Now they are reunited, and Jake can see that Katie is in trouble. He instantly and effortlessly steps into the role of protector, and as they begin to spend time together those feelings from so long ago begin to re-emerge and they begin to fall all over again.
This is such a cute romance. It’s easy, natural and low-angst, with no game playing. Jake and Katie both acknowledge what they’re feeling, they don’t run from it, they simply embrace it as they slowly explore what is happening between them. And though they’ve both been through hard times while they have been apart, they talk about it all and help each other through it, and they work to create something that is truly special.
Katie’s children play a big part in the story, and just as Jake easily becomes a part of Katie’s life, he slips into the stepfather role with her kids, and those relationships are beautifully developed. And Jake’s father brings a lot to the story with his hilarious, and often crude, outbursts. He’s such a fun character, and again, his relationship with Jake, and with Katie and her children, is really gorgeous.
There is some drama and suspense, which add a bit of excitement to the story, but for the most part this is a sweet and easy read. Perhaps a little bit too cheesy at times, but still really enjoyable with a swoony, sexy romance and a gorgeous story as two very deserving people get their second chance at love.
3 stars.
This is a seriously sweet second-chance-romance, with lots of fun, cute moments, a fantastic family dynamic and a sexy, swoony love story as two childhood sweethearts rediscover each other after 18 long years apart.
Erik ‘Jake’ Jacobson’s life is falling apart around him. When his father becomes ill, he returns home to care for him, taking the opportunity to take a break from his real life and sort himself out. The one thing he never expected to see on his return to Lake Fisher was his childhood sweetheart and first love.
Katie Higgins is a young widow with three children and another on the way. On the run from danger, she has packed up her family and escaped to the place from her childhood that holds wonderful memories and a special place in her heart. She spent a blissful summer at Lake Fisher as a 16 year old, and now she is back there with her family hoping to give them safety and a drama free life for a little while. And then she runs into Jake, the man who swept her off her feet so long ago.
It’s been 18 years since Jake and Katie have seen each other. They fell hard for each other as teenagers, and I loved their memories of their time together. But when Katie returned home after summer, they drifted apart and went on with their lives. Now they are reunited, and Jake can see that Katie is in trouble. He instantly and effortlessly steps into the role of protector, and as they begin to spend time together those feelings from so long ago begin to re-emerge and they begin to fall all over again.
When her lips touch mine, I know this is where I’m supposed to be.
This is such a cute romance. It’s easy, natural and low-angst, with no game playing. Jake and Katie both acknowledge what they’re feeling, they don’t run from it, they simply embrace it as they slowly explore what is happening between them. And though they’ve both been through hard times while they have been apart, they talk about it all and help each other through it, and they work to create something that is truly special.
“Are you jumping in with me because you’re afraid I’ll drown, Jake?” Her voice shakes.
I look her in the eyes. “Nope. Just because I want to be with you.”
Katie’s children play a big part in the story, and just as Jake easily becomes a part of Katie’s life, he slips into the stepfather role with her kids, and those relationships are beautifully developed. And Jake’s father brings a lot to the story with his hilarious, and often crude, outbursts. He’s such a fun character, and again, his relationship with Jake, and with Katie and her children, is really gorgeous.
“I didn't want kids. But then I met yours...” His voice trails off.
“And what did you think?” I hold my breath.
“They were a part of you, so I had no choice but to love them at first sight.”
There is some drama and suspense, which add a bit of excitement to the story, but for the most part this is a sweet and easy read. Perhaps a little bit too cheesy at times, but still really enjoyable with a swoony, sexy romance and a gorgeous story as two very deserving people get their second chance at love.
“I fell in love with you, Katie, when I was sixteen years old. I wasn’t ready then, though, because we both had a lot to learn. We had to grow and change so we could be ready for one another when the time came, and I have to tell you, Katie, I am so ready for you.”
3 stars.
April 2, 2016
"Feels Like Summertime" by Tammy Falkner was a sweet, funny, heartbreaking, and beautiful story. Tammy is one of my top ten favorite authors. Actually she is in my top five thanks to the Reed Brothers. This story is about second chances and a sweet love that endures time and individual heartbreak. Our H/h, Jake and Katie met the summer they were sixteen and found first love but way too young for that love to solidify. Many years later they are reunited. There are many characters to fall in love with in this story and I loved them all for different reasons but I have to admit I smiled the most whenever Pop was around. Yeah, he's too damn funny! I recommend this book for anyone who loves the HEA that doesn't come too easily or too swiftly, but is worth the journey. "Feels Like Summertime" is definitely on my Favorites list. And let's not forget to mention the brief cameos of our favorite tattoo artist, the Reeds! Great story Tammy Falkner!
March 31, 2016
I'm a total adolescent when it comes to this kind of light humour, innuendoes and all things silly so I was hooked from the first few pages, (the scene in the car with the dog cracked me up.)
If Jakes life hadn't gone to shit already he got a call that inadvertently saved him I'd say. To assist his father after a stroke he returned to their holiday camp/business and prepared himself for the tongue lashing same ol Pop. He didn't reckon facing his first love though, especially with three sprogs and a bump as big as a football!
Katie, heavily pregnant with a teenager daughter and two other younger children in tow arrives at the same time. They are all skittish but with some gentle Jakeness.....
Jake & Pop stole the show for me.
I'd say this is a light second chance read with a feel good storyline and a low suspense.
April 2, 2016
Tammy Falkner writes stories that make my heart happy and my soul lighter. Feels Like Summertime is no exception. Jake and Katie met when they were teenagers and a beautiful young love grew between them. They grew up and lost touch with each other. Circumstances bring them back together and a beautiful adult love blooms between them. Throw in a cranky old man, three beautiful children plus one newborn, two gay fathers and a crazy stalker and you have a whirlwind of a story that kept me captivated from beginning to end.
March 29, 2016
Pure romantic perfection!!!! Jake will steal your heart! The entire cast of characters were endearing and lovable. The story of a second chance at love was perfectly crafted. Add in the Reeds and what more could you want? This story is full of emotion, love, and family. A truly beautiful story that goes on the favorites list of 2016! A must read for every romance fan.
March 30, 2016
I adore this book. It was sweet,loving sometimes sexy and hot but always humorous. You just had to love those stories and i highy recommend to all my friends. This was my first book from this author and surley won't be the last.
April 3, 2016
Cue Grease music
Summer Loving
Cute, sweet book with a silly dog and loveable kiddos. Perfect summer read
Summer Loving
Cute, sweet book with a silly dog and loveable kiddos. Perfect summer read
March 30, 2016
This book was awesome! If you love second chance romances, you need this book in your life.
March 31, 2016
Tammy Falkner is one of my favorite authors. this story was easy to read and relate to without too much drama and hang ups. you just fall in love with each character with ease.
June 15, 2016
Sweetest book I've read in a really long time! I didn't want to put it down. I'm teary eyed just thinking about Jake and Katie! 5 happy stars : )
August 4, 2017
I loved this book couldn't put it down. Jake & Katie were sixteen when they first met and fell in love, but when summer was over they had to say good bye. Many years have past and when they see each other again it feels like time has never past. When Jake goes back home with his dog to be with his father to help him out he can't believe it when he sees Katie and she is not alone. Katie has her own family now, but she is not there to enjoy the summer but to get away from someone. When Jake finds out why she really is there he makes it his job to protect her and the kids. Having spent so much time together they fall in love again, but their happiness is threatened when her past finds her.
March 13, 2021
Oh my heart!
Oh my!! Katie comes back to Lake Fisher with her family, a place she used to visit as a child. A place she found her first love, who, is also back at Lake Fisher to help out his Pops.
But Katie is running from something or someone and Jake is determined to protect her and her children. Oh. My. Days!!! And Pops?!! Lord, I love that man!!
We also get a surprise at the end too!!
A great read!!!
Oh my!! Katie comes back to Lake Fisher with her family, a place she used to visit as a child. A place she found her first love, who, is also back at Lake Fisher to help out his Pops.
But Katie is running from something or someone and Jake is determined to protect her and her children. Oh. My. Days!!! And Pops?!! Lord, I love that man!!
We also get a surprise at the end too!!
A great read!!!
Want to read
November 12, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/12/2020)! 🎁
September 23, 2019
UPDATE, Sept 22, 2019: I requested a review copy of this book through NetGalley over two months ago. When I didn't get a response within a week, I went ahead and purchased the book because I thought it would be a good vacation read. Well, now I've gotten an ARC approval email, so I'm just gonna go ahead and add this review - from TWO MONTHS AGO - and call it good. 🤷♀️
There were things I liked about this book, and things I didn’t…
Jake and Katie met and fell in love the summer they were 16 at the lake cabin resort owned by Jake’s family. When the summer ended they wrote to each other, but eventually fell out of touch. Eighteen years later, Jake is back at the lake, on a forced leave of absence from the NYPD and to help his dad after a stroke, and Katie shows up with three kids in tow, and another one on the way at any moment.
What I liked about this book is that Jake and Katie’s way back to each other was (mostly) sweet and (mostly) uncomplicated. They kind of picked up where they left off, and there wasn’t any hedging about whether or not they could/should be together now. Both had experienced some bumps and bruises during their life apart, but they didn’t let those things have an adverse effect on their future.
The banter was amusing, the kids were cute, and the pacing moved quickly.
But there were a lot more things that made me go hmmmm…
As sweet as this story was, I have to confess to being a little uncomfortable about things that were said by Jake’s dad about Katie and her female body parts. I know the author was going for endearing and outrageous (as older people can be with the things that come out of their mouths), but an older man commenting about how a 34 year old woman’s boobs are a lot bigger now than when she was 16 - to her face - isn’t funny to me. It’s icky.
And it wasn’t just one or two times, it was several, and it sorta weirded me out and kept me from being able to enjoy the character. Like, is it safe for him to be around Katie’s 16 year old daughter??? I think maybe if I had read this book when it came out three years ago, I wouldn’t have been as cognizant of how completely inappropriate comments like that are. But with #metoo and how much more intentionally aware we are of sexual harassment, I can’t help but feel this older man’s behavior is less amusing and more...wrong. There’s a fine line between outrageous comments and inappropriate ones, and I can’t help but feel Jake’s dad crossed over that line.
Anyway, moving on.
This story also tried to pull in some suspense, in the form of someone from Katie’s not-so-distant past coming back to cause her trouble. And instead of it being suspenseful and dramatic, it veered into the melodramatic. I think I would have liked the book better if this whole storyline had been left out. I know it was used to help resolve some issues with side characters, but I didn’t feel like it was done well enough to not seem contrived. Sorry for being vague, I’m wanting to be spoiler-free here.
I think much of my issue with this book is because of the expectations I had going in. A reviewer I follow said this book reminded her of Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor - which is one of my top five, all-time favorite books and I reread my favorite sections often - so that’s a heavy burden for a book to carry. While there were some similarities (a man falling in love with a woman and her children, the woman being pregnant, and strong family relationships), the stories were very different. But I truly did try to let Feels Like Summertime stand on its own merits. It’s just that the negative things about this book weighed on me more heavily than the positive ones.
And that’s just the way it goes sometimes.
There were things I liked about this book, and things I didn’t…
Jake and Katie met and fell in love the summer they were 16 at the lake cabin resort owned by Jake’s family. When the summer ended they wrote to each other, but eventually fell out of touch. Eighteen years later, Jake is back at the lake, on a forced leave of absence from the NYPD and to help his dad after a stroke, and Katie shows up with three kids in tow, and another one on the way at any moment.
What I liked about this book is that Jake and Katie’s way back to each other was (mostly) sweet and (mostly) uncomplicated. They kind of picked up where they left off, and there wasn’t any hedging about whether or not they could/should be together now. Both had experienced some bumps and bruises during their life apart, but they didn’t let those things have an adverse effect on their future.
The banter was amusing, the kids were cute, and the pacing moved quickly.
But there were a lot more things that made me go hmmmm…
As sweet as this story was, I have to confess to being a little uncomfortable about things that were said by Jake’s dad about Katie and her female body parts. I know the author was going for endearing and outrageous (as older people can be with the things that come out of their mouths), but an older man commenting about how a 34 year old woman’s boobs are a lot bigger now than when she was 16 - to her face - isn’t funny to me. It’s icky.
And it wasn’t just one or two times, it was several, and it sorta weirded me out and kept me from being able to enjoy the character. Like, is it safe for him to be around Katie’s 16 year old daughter??? I think maybe if I had read this book when it came out three years ago, I wouldn’t have been as cognizant of how completely inappropriate comments like that are. But with #metoo and how much more intentionally aware we are of sexual harassment, I can’t help but feel this older man’s behavior is less amusing and more...wrong. There’s a fine line between outrageous comments and inappropriate ones, and I can’t help but feel Jake’s dad crossed over that line.
Anyway, moving on.
This story also tried to pull in some suspense, in the form of someone from Katie’s not-so-distant past coming back to cause her trouble. And instead of it being suspenseful and dramatic, it veered into the melodramatic. I think I would have liked the book better if this whole storyline had been left out. I know it was used to help resolve some issues with side characters, but I didn’t feel like it was done well enough to not seem contrived. Sorry for being vague, I’m wanting to be spoiler-free here.
I think much of my issue with this book is because of the expectations I had going in. A reviewer I follow said this book reminded her of Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor - which is one of my top five, all-time favorite books and I reread my favorite sections often - so that’s a heavy burden for a book to carry. While there were some similarities (a man falling in love with a woman and her children, the woman being pregnant, and strong family relationships), the stories were very different. But I truly did try to let Feels Like Summertime stand on its own merits. It’s just that the negative things about this book weighed on me more heavily than the positive ones.
And that’s just the way it goes sometimes.
March 13, 2016
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tammy Falkner writes some of the best characters you'll ever read! And she really makes sure you fall in love with the characters to the point where you feel everything they feel (full disclosure: I cried. A couple times). I would like for her to write my life.
Even though Katie and Jake were dealing with some relatively unfortunate circumstances, they were constantly having moments together that made me swoon. Jake was great with the kids. The kids were great with Pops. Sally and Trixie were absolutely adorable together. This book was so stinkin' cute, I almost couldn't handle it.
And there was a brief appearance from the Reed brothers at the end that made me want to revisit Tall, Tatted, and Tempting.
Tammy Falkner writes some of the best characters you'll ever read! And she really makes sure you fall in love with the characters to the point where you feel everything they feel (full disclosure: I cried. A couple times). I would like for her to write my life.
Even though Katie and Jake were dealing with some relatively unfortunate circumstances, they were constantly having moments together that made me swoon. Jake was great with the kids. The kids were great with Pops. Sally and Trixie were absolutely adorable together. This book was so stinkin' cute, I almost couldn't handle it.
And there was a brief appearance from the Reed brothers at the end that made me want to revisit Tall, Tatted, and Tempting.
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