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Kissing Games

(Aurora Skye #2)

Tara Eglington (Goodreads Author)

3.92 · Rating details · 429 ratings · 86 reviews

The course of true love never did run smooth. For a girl who shares her name with a princess (a.k.a Aurora from Sleeping Beauty) Aurora Skye’s life seem fathoms away from a fairytale. Sure, she’s landed Hayden Paris, Potential Prince extraordinaire. And she got her wish -- one first kiss with all the knee-trembling, butterfly-inducing gloriousness she’d hoped for.
But Auro ...more

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Hardcover, US Edition, 352 pages

Published June 5th 2018 by Wednesday Books St Martins (first published November 1st 2013)

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The Accidental Bad Girl by Maxine Kaplan

2018 Releases (YA)

81 books — 24 voters

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· 429 ratings · 86 reviews

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Apr 15, 2013 Eugenia (Genie In A Book) rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: life-books, australian, romance, first-reads, 2013-release

I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway

I loved this book and the series so far!
'How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You' is a fun, light read that still has so much heart. Expanding on some of the key themes that the first novel had to offer, this book is a joy to read and offered further insight into the realm of teenage relationships with friends, parents and of course - love interests.

'Don't look down', Hayden called. 'Look at me. I'm holding my arms out for you. I a

...more

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Jun 04, 2018 Samantha (WLABB) rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, ya, arcs, romance

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I was so excited when I found out Aurora was getting a second book. Her first book was so delightful, and I am always looking for something to make me smile. This book had a little more drama than the previous book, but it still delivered a bunch of fun hijinks and an adorable romance.

• Pro: I still love Aurora. She is in a class with Lara Jean Covey, as she is a sort of throwback and a little old fashioned. I mean this in the best way, because it's nice to see these girls repre ...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Amy Huynh rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

‘How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You’ is an enjoyable, entertaining read and a terrific sequel to How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You!

Aurora Skye is even more witty and quirky than she was in the first novel. Her qualities of loyalty, assertiveness, and compassion are definitely prominent in this novel and clearly shone through Aurora’s character. I feel that she is slightly more mature in a few aspects – handling some things well – yet on the other hand, Aurora is also naïve or vulnerable.

...more

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Nov 08, 2013 Liz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When this book (finally!!!) arrived at the bookstore yesterday I was so excited to start reading... I ended up spending pretty much my entire day reading it.
This series is AMAZING.
No, amazing doesn't even begin to cover it.
The first book had me utterly engrossed and laughing my head off at all the delightfully ridiculous Aurora-Hayden squabbles, and loving the sweet, romantic scenes. What I was really impressed with was how Hayden was believably annoying to Aurora, but didn't annoy me. Which pra When this book (finally!!!) arrived at the bookstore yesterday I was so excited to start reading... I ended up spending pretty much my entire day reading it.
This series is AMAZING.
No, amazing doesn't even begin to cover it.
The first book had me utterly engrossed and laughing my head off at all the delightfully ridiculous Aurora-Hayden squabbles, and loving the sweet, romantic scenes. What I was really impressed with was how Hayden was believably annoying to Aurora, but didn't annoy me. Which practically never happens with any other book I've read.
The novel as a whole was just... exquisite.
And I pretty much fell in love with it and guessed at its potential awesomeness when I first saw it. I was proved right by the time I got to page 6.
I read a lot (and I mean a LOT) and there is only one other book that I have ever found as amazing as How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You (which is Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, in case you were wondering).

I hate to even slightly criticise How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You, though I admit at first maybe I was slightly disappointed. Probably only because I had super high expectations after the first book. I found that there was too much talking and not enough activity. BUT then it became absolutely incredibly amazing again. I found that the second book was a lot more serious (what with Aurora's abandonment issues) as opposed to the more lighthearted focus on Aurora and Hayden's battles of wit turned love story. The thing that made me love HTKABFKY so much was the abundance of Aurora-Hayden scenes, which were always amusing or romantic, and really engaging. In HTCABTKY the focus was a lot more on Jelena and the matchmakees in the FPP. I found it a lot more emotional than the first book and some of the scenes did inspire teary eyes.

I also loved what Jelena did in the second book. Especially because I originally didn't like her much, but she showed that she did have a good heart and was a genuinely good person.

Also, I adore the titles and the covers.

Anyway... basically, I love this series and have spent a significant chunk of my time squealing and fangirling over it. =D

Please, please, please write another book Tara!!! ...more

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Feb 13, 2019 Reina Tan rated it liked it

so, i'm not reviewing this book in long paragraph. just make it short because i don't thing this one should be necessary enough. even though it answered my curiosity of Aurora's parents, but it was nothing more. the climax was flat, not too intriguing. but, this book still cute ❤ ...more

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Oct 16, 2013 Joy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, contemporary, high-school, coming-of-age, 2013-goodreads-challenge, romance

Convince (as I'll be referring to it as), picks up where the first book ends. Aurora and her prince Hayden are just dipping their feet into the pool of dating but everything seems to go wrong! Aurora's attempts to be romantic backfires entirely, with Hayden ending up in the hospital with a split lip and Aurora burning off the ends of her hair. This earns her the nickname of 'Lethal Lips', which doesn't help her reputation in launching her matchmaker program.

Meanwhile, her best friend Jelena is r

Meanwhile, her best friend Jelena is running for the role of school captain and she's using Aurora's Find and Prince/Princess program as her main campaign. While Aurora is stoked to be able to test out her program, things obviously do not go as smoothly as she'd planned.

Through the hiccups and the misadventures, Convince really begins to show the depth within the characters we're reading about. Not only are they more developed, but they're all learning life lessons that the targeted audiences for this book should be aware of, especially familial problems that Aurora goes through. Eglington teaches you about life in an easy to digest way, and I would have loved to have read this book when I was back in high school.

I especially enjoyed the friendships between Aurora and her four best friends. While Jelena and Sara often clashed heads, we know they'd always be there for each other when things got tough. Every one of them would be there for each other, even when Jelena's personality and actions angered them all.

Of course most of the stuff that Jelena did in her captaincy campaign was really far-fetched and would never have worked, we must remember that this is still a fictional story. In saying that though, it was very entertaining reading about the lengths she'd go to in order to win. It was also nice to see first-hand how Aurora intended to use her program, even though I thought it was silly that perfect matches can be generated in a grade of only 200.

Aurora and Hayden's relationship portrayed the fears we all go through when we first enter into a new relationship. Eglington really highlights how the girl's mind works through Aurora, where we tend to jump to conclusions based on silly things that happen. It was nice that she used Cassie and Scott's relationship to highlight the need for clear communication between two people - because your significant other probably won't pick up the hints you drop.

What I loved reading the most was the strained relationship between Lindsay and Tyler. I know that sounds awful, but I think it was a really mature concept to include into a book targeted towards younger highschoolers. Ever since Tyler broke up with Lindsay in the first book, their relationship has been a little uneasy once they got back together. Lindsay has definitely become more clear-headed and has begun to question whether she still wants to be with him. Add in a new guy that seems romantic and attempts to sway her from Tyler, and you have one big girl-problem on your hands. I admired Lindsay a lot for her restraint, and the way she went about trying to solve her feelings without jumping right into something new. I know she almost did, but nothing really happened. Her relationship with Tyler could have completely crumpled, but what she went through happens all the time in high school. So it was a good message to send that you must remain logical when it comes to love, because the person that's trying to steal you away from your partner definitely do not have good intentions. Seriously, when would a person with good intentions attempt to break up someone's relationship?

Overall, I really enjoyed this follow up to the first Aurora Skye book. It was everything the first book was and more. If you're looking for a light read that also touches upon life lessons one should learn, then definitely give this one a go!

- - - -

  For this and similar reviews, visit Thoughts By J!

...more

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Feb 25, 2018 Kay rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, high-school, arc

I received a ARC in a Goodreads giveaway :D

It's hard enough playing matchmaker for your friends. But how about the pressure when your friend's high school presidency campaign is relying on your abilities as Cupid?

Kissing Games picks up right where the previous book left off, with Aurora and her Prince, Hayden, seemingly in a wonderful relationship. That is, just until a mishap with their second kiss accidentally sends him to the emergency room! Managing her own relationship is proving to be diff I received a ARC in a Goodreads giveaway :D

It's hard enough playing matchmaker for your friends. But how about the pressure when your friend's high school presidency campaign is relying on your abilities as Cupid?

Kissing Games picks up right where the previous book left off, with Aurora and her Prince, Hayden, seemingly in a wonderful relationship. That is, just until a mishap with their second kiss accidentally sends him to the emergency room! Managing her own relationship is proving to be difficult enough, when, on top of that, her friend Jelena announces her platform for running for president is banking on Aurora finding a Prince/Princess for three lucky winners.

Like the first book, the plot of this one felt a little contrived. The fact that the candidates would go to such extreme measures to be president, such as organizing field trips and proposing changes with the school board, seemed a little ridiculous. The entire notion of voting someone president because they could get you a boy/girlfriend felt kind of silly too--with everything going on in high school, are these people really so concerned with their love lives?

If Aurora and her friends felt like complete steryotypes in the last book, they felt much more fleshed out and well rounded as characters in this one, which contributed significantly to my enjoyment of the book! It was especially cool to see how some of the characters were given labels and seen by people as one way, but upon getting to know them better, they revealed to be so different.

This book was far less predictable than the last one as well. There were many things happening that I didn't see coming, and I honestly had no idea how the book was going to end. Ultimately, I was deeply satisfied with the ending, and thought that it was the best part of the book.

This book was also more serious and emotional. It dealt with issues such a bullying in a really good way. It was also clear that many of the characters, especially Aurora, matured a lot. The issue of her mom coming back into her life, but still not really caring, as well as her dad dating her crazy teacher Ms. DeForest were key factors in Aurora's life--they really shaped her--and I was impressed by how she dealt with the crazy things going on.

Finally, this book was equally funny as the first! There were some pretty ridiculous situations where I felt pretty bad for the characters, but couldn't help but laughing as well. On the base level, this book was, for me, a lighthearted, fluffy, fun contemporary!

4 stars ...more

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Mar 18, 2013 Mary Hoang marked it as to-read · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 31, 2018 Paige (Illegal in 3 Countries) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC I got from the publisher via NetGalley.

(content warning: this book includes a revenge porn/blackmail subplot toward the end)

THE PALM KISS: THE SEQUEL.

I’m not exactly quiet about how much I love How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, nor have I been quiet about my excitement for its sequel. Aurora and Hayden are just so good together and have you heard the gospel of the palm kiss.

Anyway. Known as How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You back in it ...more

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Nov 25, 2013 Michelle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

OMG so I love to to keep a boy from kissing you it was absolutely amazing it is like my ultimate feel good book whenever I read it it just makes me happy and I can never put it down even though I know what's going to happen!! I downloaded the sample on iBooks of how to convince a boy to kiss u and loved it the same! I hope It comes out soon I'm a bit confused in my girlfriend magazine it said the 22nd but then iBooks says the 1st of December I dunno but either way I can way and will probably do ...more

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Jun 29, 2018 lisa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: gr-ya-contemporary, 2018-read, ch-great, type-galleys, gr-aus-lit

I always feel accomplished these days whenever I manage to finish a YA book lmao

but ANYWAY

I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor. I really miss Aurora and her friends' shenanigans. Reading about this gang made me nostalgic about high school. There were a lot of fun things happening, and I'm also happy to report that the secondhand embarrassment was less this time around (book 1 nearly killed me). I also love how lovable Aurora and Hayden are as a couple, especially in the end.

E-ARC is r ...more

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Oct 14, 2013 Siobhan Malcolm rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

NOVEMBER THE FIRST!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT DAY!!!! EVEN MORE EXCITED THAN FOR MY BIRTHDAY OR CHRISTMAS. HOW TO STOP A BOY FROM KISSING YOU WAS AMAZING!!! I WISH I WAS AURORA! I hope this one is as good as the first one! And OH I WISH I HAD YOU HAYDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...more

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Jun 18, 2013 Manda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Get excited, Aurora fans, this one is even more delightful than the first!

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Mar 26, 2018 Meredith Schorr rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

I loved it! There was so much heart in this book and I choked up numerous times. I also chuckled consistently throughout the entire book. Aurura is one of the most relatable, likeable female characters in YA contemporary fiction I've ever come across. She's strong, yet vulnerable. She's confident yet also insecure. She's loyal and passionate and definitely someone I'd be proud to call my daughter or have as my friend! I look forward to reading more from Tara Eglington. ...more

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Jul 28, 2018 Danielle Urban rated it really liked it · review of another edition

How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You by Tara Eglington is a lighthearted read. It's funny, sweet, and realistic. I loved Aurora's list for finding the perfect guy. Do not settle for anything else than what you are worthy for-according to Aurora. I wished I had met this teenage girl when I was in high school. She's cool, caring, and energetic. Aurora has waited a long time for her first kiss and got it. Her second kiss turned out to be a disaster and from there life got messy for her. The trials, fr ...more

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May 26, 2018 Barbara Senteney rated it it was amazing

This was really cute, a little young for my taste but funny and has great friendships They have a computer program that is supposed to help you identify if the guy you like is a Prince or a dud,lol Aurora has her first kiss and is ready for number 2 but it doesn't go as expected and lands her Prince in the ER. Of course she gets teased and called lethal lips at school, and her friend Cassie suggest she watch videos to learn the proper technique. This is the beginning of a teen girls quest to hav ...more

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May 26, 2018 Amanda rated it liked it

Shelves: won-in-giveaways

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Although this is definitely not the kind of thing I usually enjoy- it's far too "girly" for my taste- there were things about it that I liked. I enjoyed the dynamic between Aurora and her friends, and I wish the struggles with her mother had been brought into focus earlier in the book because it was easily my favorite thing about it. I suppose if this was a genre I really enjoyed, I probably would have gotten more out of it, so I wouldn't di ...more

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Apr 25, 2018 Sage Thoughts rated it did not like it

Content rating and review

http://sagethoughtsonbooks.blogspot.c...

DNF I just couldn't get into the story. It was too silly and shallow. I just can't see it happening. ...more

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Sep 26, 2014 Sarah rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, 2014-favourites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 06, 2013 Trisha rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, romance, family, friendship, ya-literature, australian-ya, humour, ozya2013, 2013

Utterly charming, just like the first. Very funny, just like the first, and just like the first, some moments of real poignancy in the life of this ever-hopeful Princess.

Aurora has finally found her prince, but as tends to happen in these books, their sailing is not smooth (okay excuse me while I mix some metaphors). I found this part of the book the most frustrating. I just wanted to see some real conversation, some alone happy time for this pair. But I can see that angst and confusion keeps a ...more

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Dec 08, 2013 Claudia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs

I adored this book! Its so relatable in the way it shows that it is it just romantic relationships that can't cause a broken heart, but that if family and other situations to. Ranging from the first kiss to break ups and showing that people are not always as they appear, this book delves a lot deeper in a relatable sense than it's predecessor. I'm glad I received a copy of this book from Goodreads Firstreads, it was brilliantly constructed I couldn't put it down. ...more

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Dec 29, 2014 Brittany rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I'm not going to lie, I seriously love these books! I'll admit that the Aurora Skye series is totally cringe-inducing and full of moments that I die of embarrassment just by reading about, but they're super cute and silly and perfect for lazy summer days or when you're in the mood for awkward YA romance. :) ...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Tahnee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved this book way more than the first one! its great to see aurora becoming bolder and losing some of the innocence she has, I wonder (and hope!) that there will be a third book in the series!

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May 03, 2013 Dekotah Thompson rated it liked it · review of another edition

*finds out the wait untill publication* OMG! I still have to wait until November! Nooooooo!!!!!!! I need it now, can't wait much longer ...more

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May 16, 2013 Liliana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Such a great book just like the first one, I could never put it down without wanting to read more.
This is full of heart and emotions of a sweet, sad, but happy fairy tale.

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Jan 14, 2014 Anthea Cornish rated it liked it · review of another edition

A lovely book for a teen or young at heart, great characters, great sequel to Tara's How to keep a boy from kissing you. Easy to read, lighthearted.Dreamy and romantic. ...more

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Aug 22, 2014 haru rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Cute and simple love story of Aurora Skye in high school! Is there going to be more books in the series coming out?

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Oct 10, 2014 Chloe Eldridge rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book was amazing! I loved every bit of it, I didn't want it to end! I honestly couldn't stop laughing. Such a good book recommend it to anyone younger than 17 and looking for a good laugh! ...more

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Jul 31, 2019 kate lynne ✰ rated it liked it

actual rating: 3.5

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Jul 03, 2018 Tamara rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, fiction, has-a-love-story, contemporary

This book is completely unrealistic, but it’s cute. It’s also full of frustrating miscommunications and assumptions. And I'm just not on board with Aurora's pet project, the Find a Prince/Princess thing.

The supporting characters have more depth than they did in the first book, I think. I know I didn’t particularly like Jelena in the first book; now I despise her. She’s completely selfish and self centered. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why they’re friends with her. She uses them consta This book is completely unrealistic, but it’s cute. It’s also full of frustrating miscommunications and assumptions. And I'm just not on board with Aurora's pet project, the Find a Prince/Princess thing.

The supporting characters have more depth than they did in the first book, I think. I know I didn’t particularly like Jelena in the first book; now I despise her. She’s completely selfish and self centered. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why they’re friends with her. She uses them constantly, and with no remorse. Hayden and Aurora are cute together. However, he has a tendency to do or say tiny things that she takes completely the wrong way, analyzing them until she believes he doesn't like her anymore or maybe never did in the first place. It's very, very "high school." Aurora's dad and Ms. DeForest both drive me crazy, as does her mother. Honestly, I found myself thinking that I couldn't wait until she left for college so she could get away from them. (Not that it happens in this book or series, as I assume it's just a duology.)

The campaigning for student body president is completely ridiculous. All the promises Jelena and her main rival, Alex, make are outlandish--matchmaking programs (yes, Jelena uses Aurora without permission), school-sponsored gym memberships, etc. Financially it makes no sense. And the amount of money Jelena spends on campaigning? Holy. Cow. I'd definitely be one of the people voting for the "safe bet" whose name I can't even remember.

How it ends: (view spoiler)

Note: Can't recall anything bad. I hate Jelena. ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
KISSING GAMES (the US edition of 'How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You') to be published in June 2018	1	4	Oct 12, 2017 05:30PM
KISSING GAMES (the US edition of 'How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You') to be published in June 2018	1	4	Oct 12, 2017 05:29PM
Chapter 2 Reveals on the Facebook Page	1	6	Nov 20, 2013 02:15PM
First Chapter of the sequel, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You, is available for free to read NOW!	2	6	Nov 14, 2013 11:46PM
WIN A COPY OF HOW TO CONVINCE A BOY TO KISS YOU	1	10	Nov 12, 2013 04:15PM

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About Tara Eglington

Tara Eglington

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Tara Eglington grew up in Byron Bay, Australia, and now lives in Sydney.

Tara is the author of four Young Adult novels: How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You, How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You (titled Kissing Games in the USA), My Best Friend is a Goddess and The Long Distance Playlist. Her books have been published in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

Tara’s third YA novel My Best Friend is a Godd ...more

Other books in the series

Aurora Skye (2 books)

Books by Tara Eglington

How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You (Aurora Skye #1)

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Quotes from Kissing Games

“Lindsay laughed. 'Good luck resetting Tyler's standards. He once gave me a birthday card that read "To my favourite nephew" on the inside.” — 4 likes

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